Motsepe in Dar for AFCON preps

TANZANIA: CONFEDERATION of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe is expected to arrive in Tanzania today as preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) enter a crucial phase.

Tanzania will co-host the continental showpiece with Kenya and Uganda, with Motsepe’s visit expected to provide another opportunity to assess the country’s readiness ahead of the tournament.

The CAF president, who will be accompanied by senior officials from the continental football governing body, is expected to inspect Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, one of Tanzania’s designated AFCON venues.

According to information released by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Motsepe is also expected to meet Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who chairs the National Organising Committee for AFCON 2027, alongside government and football officials to discuss the preparations.

“The inspection is part of close regular way of overseeing readiness of the infrastructure to be used for hosting AFCON 2027,” the TFF statement said.

During the visit, Motsepe is expected to inspect various sections of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with particular attention to infrastructure and facilities required to meet CAF standards.

His arrival comes shortly after a CAF inspection mission assessed key facilities in Tanzania as preparations gather pace for the tournament, scheduled for June 19 to July 17 next year.

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The recent inspection covered Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Arusha Stadium and Fumba Stadium in Zanzibar, as well as training grounds, Julius Nyerere International Airport, hotels, hospitals and road infrastructure linked to the tournament.

The latest visit is part of CAF’s continued engagement with the three host nations to ensure the required infrastructure and operational facilities are delivered on time.

CAF has said the inspections are aimed at ensuring world-class facilities and infrastructure for next year’s tournament.

Motsepe’s delegation will include CAF Second Vice-President Kurt Okraku, CAF Fifth Vice-President Feizal Sidat, CECAFA President Paulos Andemariam Weldehaimanot and CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, according to the TFF statement.

The 24-team tournament will be staged across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda under the banner AFCON PAMOJA 2027.