Doubt has been repeatedly cast over the preparedness of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to stage the continent’s flagship tournament next year, but, on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Motsepe once again offered reassurances that the co-hosts are working to deliver a spotless finals.
He told the BBC: “Are there areas where there’s room for improvement? Absolutely. But the commitment, the support from President Ruto (of Kenya), from Madam [President] Samia [Suluhu Hassan] in Tanzania, from President Museveni (of Uganda) is enormous.
“We’ve got people from CAF who are permanently based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and they are everyday working on the preparations and making sure that the Afcon which is going to take place in June 2027 is going to be successful.”
At the FIFA Congress, held in Vancouver at the end of April, Motsepe had indicated to Inside World Football that he had all confidence in the three co-hosts, even if infighting at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was reaching a boiling point.
Nine of the federation’s 12 national executive committee members have demanded the resignation of FKF President Hussein Mohammed over allegations of financial impropriety.
The incumbent has denied any wrongdoing and accused a rival fraction of mounting a coup to install former Kenya and Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga as chair of the federation. FIFA has written to the FKF to demand clarification.
“I’m confident that we will resolve those issues in a manner that complies with the CAF and FIFA statutes and regulations,” said Motsepe.
In 2022, FIFA banned the FKF for nine months over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Next year, the Africa Cup of Nations returns for the first time to East Africa since Ethiopia staged the finals in 1976.
Last year, Kenya organised the African National Championship (CHAN), but the tournament was marred by ticketing issues and crowd disturbances.
Source: CAF Online News
