Hosting 2027 Afcon will bring needed infrastructure
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe said the envisioned bid by Namibia and Botswana to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will help both countries develop muchneeded infrastructure.
Speaking to the media during the weekend’s Council of Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa) Elective General Assembly that was held in the capital, Motsepe said he is encouraging as many African countries as possible to come together and put forth bids to host the continental championship, as this is in line with their objective of greater unity, greater solidarity and corporation amongst all nations.
“I have given the same message to all presidents of countries that I have visited. I have the interest of all countries, and we are excited to see countries coming together and presenting their bids – but as the president of Caf, I have to advance and promote everybody’s interest equally,” he said.
Motsepe also said Namibia bidding to co-host the 2027 Afcon with Botswana will help them in building their infrastructure, including stadiums and other related facilities, as well as encouraging young boys and girls that there are opportunities in playing football at the highest level in their countries.
“There are rumours that Namibia and Botswana want to add a third country to their bidding. What I don’t want to see is having a country that has already hosted the competition before [being] added,” said Motsepe, who echoed that it would be pleasing to have countries that have never hosted the competition bid for it, as it will help them grow.
He also shared that Caf has so far received 15 bids from other counties also interested in hosting the 2027 tournament, but this should not be seen as a
discouragement for Namibia and Botswana, as this process will still help them develop sports and infrastructures.