Botswana exudes big ambition
Ignites football revolution inside the AFCON 2027 Bid package
In a resounding display of determination and ambition, Botswana officially submitted its bid to host the 36th Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) this past Tuesday. With a blend of creativity, unwavering passion, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, Botswana has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the race to secure the prestigious rights to AFCON 2027.
Embodying the spirit of Botswana, the bid book tells an extraordinary tale, a tale of a nation with a rich history, an exhilarating present, and boundless future ambitions. It unveils Botswana’s unwavering resolve and showcases its capacity to deliver a monumental event like the AFCON with unmatched finesse and grandeur.
Delivered with unparalleled enthusiasm, the bid book reached the Confederation of African Football ( CAF) through multiple channels— by hand, email, and an additional hard copy sent via courier. According to a press release issued by the Botswana National Sports Commission ( BNSC) this week, the country left no stone unturned to ensure that their bid made a lasting impression, solidifying their dedication to hosting the 36th AFCON in 2027. The world eagerly awaits CAF’s imminent announcement, as they prepare to unveil the names of the countries that have successfully lodged their captivating bid books. In the coming days, CAF will embark on a journey of inspecting facilities, scrutinizing every aspect before the Executive Board bestows the honor upon the winning bid. “This momentous occasion marks the pinnacle of our achievements thus far. Our bid book is not just a collection of words, but a captivating masterpiece that will undeniably secure Botswana as the rightful host of the prestigious AFCON competition in 2027,” exclaimed Ashford Mamelodi, Chairman of the Bid Committee, with unwavering confidence.
While the bid submission marks a significant milestone, the Bid Committee’s journey is far from over. Their next mission is to rally the support of the esteemed members of the CAF Executive Board, a panel of twenty- two influential figures who hold the key to determining the host nation.
With the winner set to be announced before the end of September 2023, the successful bidder will have just under four years to embark on an aweinspiring transformation, preparing for the continental showpiece that will captivate the world.
Speaking on behalf of government, Tumiso Rakgare, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture, emphasized the monumental impact of hosting AFCON 2027 on Botswana’s development. “This prestigious competition will serve as a catalyst, propelling Botswana towards unprecedented growth. The preparation alone will ignite an infrastructural revolution, generating thousands of temporary and permanent jobs. As we set our sights on becoming a high- income economy by 2036, few catalysts can match the transformative power of hosting competitions like AFCON.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mfolo Mfolo, CEO of the Botswana Football Association, expressed his excitement about the immense work that went into submitting the bid. ‘ The football landscape in Botswana would never be the same. Not only will we have better facilities but a lot of young people will be inspired to play the sport of football.’’