President William Ruto is expected to announce a January match between Bayern Munich and Ajax at Nairobi’s Talanta Stadium, in a deal brokered by the Head of State.
The proposed fixture would bring two of Europe’s most decorated clubs to Kenya for a high-profile match at the 60,000-seat Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, popularly known as Talanta Stadium.
This coincides with the official opening of the stadium.
Talanta Stadium prepares for major events
Talanta Stadium, at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, is being built as one of Kenya’s key venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
A parliamentary committee reported in October that the stadium was about 94 per cent complete, with a capacity of 60,000.
Officials said outstanding work included technical and operational requirements, and that the venue would need testing after construction before it was ready for competition use.
A Bayern–Ajax fixture would be a major international event for the facility ahead of AFCON.
It would also give Kenyan fans an opportunity to watch two clubs with a long history in European football.
Potential stars include Bayern’s Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Manuel Neuer.
Ajax players to watch include Julian Brandt, Kasper Dolberg and Marc-André ter Stegen.
Bayern Munich have won the European Cup and UEFA Champions League six times, most recently in 2020. Ajax have lifted the trophy four times, with their last victory coming in 1995.
The teams have also met repeatedly in European competition.
UEFA records three wins for each side and four draws in their head-to-head history.
The proposed match would mark a significant moment for Kenya’s efforts to attract international sporting events and make greater use of its new stadium.
