The Confederation of African Football [CAF] president Patrice Motsepe has allayed fears that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are not ready to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON].
The next edition of Africa’s showpiece AFCON is scheduled to be hosted by the three East African countries from 19 June to 18 July next year.
However, there have been reports suggesting the tournament could be postponed to 2028 due to the lack of readiness by the co-hosts.
A team of technical experts has also been sent by CAF to assess the readiness of the three Nations. The assessments include covering pitch requirements, as well as safety, security and infrastructure readiness at key match and training venues earmarked for use during the tournament.
CAF PRESIDENT ADDRESSES THE UNCERTAINTY OVER THE 2027 AFCON
Addressing the media following an executive committee Meeting held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Motsepe rubbished the reports suggesting that the AFCON could be moved.
“The AFCON next year in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is going to be enormously successful,” said Motsepe.
WHY PATRICE MOTSEPE IS CONFIDENT THAT KENYA, TANZANIA AND UGANDA WILL DELIVER A SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT
“As I said over the last few days, I see a lot of media and social speculation that I am here to tell Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda that I am taking away the AFCON because our three countries are not going to be ready.
“That’s totally unfounded. Sometimes I say certain things, and the media just either say something totally opposite or, like in this context. I am extremely confident that we will succeed. Will there be challenges? There are always challenges,” he added.
“I had a big challenge in Cameroon. Soon after I became president, I was told by People whose views I respect that Cameroon is not ready, you have to take it away. But we have to believe in ourselves as Africans. We have to believe in our people and recognise that there will be challenges. AFCON next year in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will be highly successful.”
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