Wayne Lumbasi
The FIFA World Cup Trophy landed in Kenya on Thursday, as it continues with its global tour that is going to span over 53 countries. This will bring Coca-Cola and FIFA one step closer to the goal of visiting each of FIFA’s 211 member associations by 2030.
The trophy is on a world tour ahead of the World Cup to be held in Qatar in November and December. It is the fourth time Kenya is hoisting the coveted trophy after doing so in 2010, 2013, and 2018.
The 2002 World Cup winner Juliano Belleti accompanied the trophy to a warm reception from the Kenyan Cabinet secretary for Sports and Heritage as well as the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. From JKIA, the trophy was transported to State House, Nairobi, where only President Uhuru Kenyatta got the golden opportunity to lift the cup.
The trophy will be in the country for two days with the fans getting to view it at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. From Kenya the trophy will head to South Africa and then to Tanzania.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola has a mission to support the development of sustainability efforts at each location visited by the tour. Africa will be represented by Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal at the FIFA World Cup 2022 to take place in Qatar.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is made of solid gold and weighs 6.142kg. Its current design dates back to 1974. As one of the most recognized sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, which includes former winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state.
