Balancing infrastructure, logistics and expectations

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) expression of satisfaction with Tanzania’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is encouraging, but it also highlights the country’s responsibility to deliver a successful tournament.

Following an inspection tour of key infrastructure in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha, the CAF delegation, led by General Secretary Samson Adamu, acknowledged the progress made towards meeting the requirements for hosting the continental showpiece.

For Tanzania, hosting AFCON is an opportunity to demonstrate organisational capacity, showcase national infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position in African football. However, CAF’s positive assessment should not be mistaken for a declaration that preparations are complete.

Considerable work remains, and the priority must be to maintain momentum, meet deadlines and ensure that all facilities satisfy the required standards.

AFCON Local Organising Committee chairman Leodegar Tenga said almost all commitments made to CAF had been fulfilled, with work continuing on the remaining requirements, particularly stadium improvements.

One encouraging development is progress on the playing surface, which had previously been identified as an area requiring attention.

Tenga said grass had been planted and was expected to show visible signs of growth within two to three weeks.

A quality playing surface is fundamental to any major football competition. It affects the standard of football, players’ safety and the overall experience of teams and supporters.

Tanzania must ensure that the grass is not only established but also properly maintained throughout the tournament.

Improvements to access roads around the stadium are equally important. Major tournaments attract thousands of supporters, officials, media representatives and other visitors, making efficient transport arrangements essential.

Tenga commended the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) for the ongoing improvements. Nevertheless, road construction alone will not resolve all transport challenges.

Traffic management, parking, public transport, security coordination and clear information for visitors must also be addressed.

Another development is the construction of hospitality facilities for presidents, VVIPs and other distinguished guests. However, preparations must also consider ordinary supporters, visiting families and football tourists.

AFCON should not be an experience reserved for dignitaries. Its success will also depend on how comfortably ordinary fans can travel, secure accommodation, access stadiums and enjoy the matches. This presents an opportunity to showcase Tanzania’s tourism potential.

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Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha offer attractions that enriches the experience of international visitors. Zanzibar has its beaches and cultural heritage, while Arusha provides access to internationally recognised wildlife attractions. With proper coordination, AFCON 2027 could become more than a football competition.

It could serve as an international marketing platform for the country’s tourism industry, hospitality businesses and investment opportunities. Tenga’s call for closer cooperation with the media is significant.

The media will play an important role in informing supporters, promoting ticket sales, profiling participating teams and building excitement around the tournament.

For this partnership to succeed, the organising committee must provide timely and accurate information about preparations, match arrangements and other developments.

Effective communication will help build public confidence and attract international attention. National Sports Council (NSC) Executive Secretary Neema Msitha offered another important perspective, saying CAF had recognised the progress achieved but cautioned Tanzania against complacency.

She emphasised the need to accelerate the remaining work to meet the continental governing body’s standards.

Her warning deserves serious attention because major sporting events are ultimately judged by delivery rather than promises.

Msitha indicated that the required facilities were expected to be handed over around December or January, making adherence to construction schedules particularly important.

Tanzania must maintain close supervision of contractors, ensure adequate resources and address emerging challenges before they become major obstacles.

Quality should remain a priority, as completing facilities on time means little if they fail to meet international standards. Apart from physical infrastructure, operational readiness will be equally critical.

A successful AFCON requires effective coordination between the government, CAF, the Local Organising Committee, security agencies, immigration authorities, transport operators, hotels and healthcare providers.

Airport services, accommodation, ticketing, accreditation, telecommunications, medical facilities, crowd management and emergency response must all receive adequate attention.

Although less visible than stadium construction, these services can determine whether visitors enjoy a smooth experience. There is also an opportunity to strengthen Tanzania’s football administration.

The experience gained from organising AFCON should help improve the country’s capacity to host international competitions, manage sporting facilities and attract future tournaments.

Local businesses must also benefit. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour companies and small traders can all contribute to the tournament while generating economic opportunities for surrounding communities. Equally important is the opportunity to inspire young people.

Watching Africa’s leading footballers compete on home soil can encourage greater participation in the sport and motivate aspiring players.

The long-term success of hosting AFCON should extend beyond the competition itself, reflecting improvements in domestic football structures, talent development and investment in the game.

CAF’s positive assessment has provided Tanzania with an important confidence boost, but the country must now move from demonstrating progress to proving readiness.

Ultimately, AFCON 2027 will be remembered not by the number of inspection visits conducted or promises made, but by the quality of football, the organisation of the competition and the experience of everyone who attends.

Tanzania has an opportunity to make a lasting statement on the African football stage. CAF’s confidence is a welcome beginning, but the real victory will come when the country successfully delivers the tournament.