African football boss Patrice Motsepe has called for a heightened sense of urgency from next year's Africa Cup of Nations co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament is set to return to East Africa for the first time in 51 years, with the opening match kicking off on June 19 and the final scheduled for July 17. Motsepe inspected preparations in Kenya and emphasized the need for world-class infrastructure, facilities, and stadiums.
Motsepe's inspection visit included stops in Tanzania and Kenya, where he evaluated two venues in Nairobi: Kasarani Stadium and the newly constructed 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium. He acknowledged "very good progress" but noted that some facilities were still below the required level. The Caf president stressed that stadiums and training facilities should be around 80% ready by August, with testing and improvements needed by January.
One of the main areas of concern in Kenya is the Kasarani Stadium and its corresponding training facility, which is set to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. The stadium's playing surface has yet to be laid, and work is required on cabling, floodlights, and sky boxes. Motsepe also highlighted the demands created by hosting hundreds of VIPs and heads of state, requiring revisions to stadium designs.
Despite delays, Motsepe insisted that there is no consideration of a postponement, citing a deep amount of commitment from the host countries. Kenya's cabinet secretary for sports, Salim Mvurya, assured that preparations would be completed on time, with a goal to conclude everything by December. This deadline is significant, as Motsepe is due to return to the region for a final assessment visit in January.
Recent Caf tournaments have regularly been delayed from their original dates, including this year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations and the 2024 African Nations Championship. However, Motsepe emphasized that the Afcon 2027 timetable will not be reconsidered, with no plan B or C. The tournament's success is crucial for Kenya, as it is part of a bigger sporting project, including the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Hosting Afcon 2027 is expected to have a significant impact on Kenya's economy, particularly in the tourism sector. Mvurya stated that sport is not just entertainment but also a livelihood and economic transformation. The Kenyan government is confident that it will host a successful Afcon, which will be a legacy for the country.
The next three months will be crucial in making the Afcon 2027 promise a reality. With a heightened sense of urgency, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda must hasten their preparations to meet the required standards. Motsepe's visit and statements have emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline, and the host countries must work to ensure a successful tournament.
Key points
- Caf president Patrice Motsepe urges Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to hasten Afcon 2027 preparations.
- The tournament's success is crucial for Kenya's economy and sporting legacy.
- No postponement is considered for Afcon 2027, with a focus on meeting the required standards.
