Kenya will host the senior teams of German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch club Ajax for the official opening of the Raila Odinga Stadium on January 5, 2027, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has announced.

Mwangi dismissed suggestions that the country would receive junior or academy sides, insisting that the government had engaged the clubs' main teams for the high-profile event.

Photo credit: FC Bayern Munich

Source: https://fcbayern.com/en

Speaking during a briefing today on preparations for the stadium's inauguration, the Principal Secretary said the participation of the two European clubs was intended to give the new facility international visibility.

"I want to put it on record that the teams coming to the Raila Odinga Stadium on January 5, 2027, will be the main teams. I have seen people saying we will be bringing junior sides. The teams we have approached are the main teams," Mwangi said.

The announcement comes amid questions over the calibre of foreign teams expected to participate in the opening celebrations.

Photo credit: AFC Ajax

Source: https://english.ajax.nl/

Mwangi also sought to address concerns about the financial implications of hosting the European clubs, saying the arrangements had been supported through private sponsorship rather than public funds.

"We are not using government money. We have secured sponsors who have come on board to support the event, and that is why those teams will be coming," he said.

He described the event as an opportunity to showcase Kenya to an international audience, citing the clubs' extensive global followings.

"It is good to celebrate this milestone because those two teams have a combined following of over 300 million people," Mwangi said.

Kenyan football clubs Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are also expected to feature in the stadium's opening celebrations, giving local sides an opportunity to play at the facility.

The PS said their participation would complement the international fixtures and showcase the country's football talent.

"Of course, we have our own teams here in Kenya, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. They will also be playing on that pitch," he added.

The Raila Odinga Stadium is part of Kenya's broader investment in sports infrastructure as the country prepares for major continental football assignments.

Photo credit: Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports

Source: https://sports.go.ke/

The January 5 event is expected to place the facility in the international spotlight, although further details of the fixtures, participating squads and match arrangements are yet to be outlined.

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