Written By | Alex Mbamanya
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe with CAF executive
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Sports Desk
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee has commenced inspections of hosting facilities in the East African countries of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. The inspection team, led by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and members of the association’s Executive Committee, began their tour in Tanzania.
On Friday morning in Dar es Salaam, the team held a CAF Executive Committee meeting with officials from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) before embarking on visits to key facilities. The inspections covered stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports, and road infrastructure.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe in Tanzania for inspection
The delegation is expected to carry out similar inspections in Kenya and Uganda before determining the next course of action ahead of the championship.
The inspection comes amid speculation that CAF was considering either withdrawing the hosting rights from the three East African nations or postponing the tournament to 2028 due to concerns over the readiness of facilities.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania jointly won the bid to host the continental showpiece in what has since been referred to as the East Africa Pamoja AFCON bid. Last year, CAF staged the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in the three countries as part of prior arrangements to test their readiness and capacity to host a tournament of AFCON’s magnitude.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe in Tanzania
Although some gaps were noted in facility standards and fan conduct, the three nations have since accelerated infrastructure development. Uganda has completed the 20,000-seater Hoima Stadium in Hoima, while Kenya finalized the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi. In Tanzania, the 60,000-seater Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha is expected to be completed within the next two months.
These new facilities add to the existing national stadiums, including Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in Uganda; Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Nyayo National Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya.
The East African nations face the challenge of delivering a successful championship, especially following Morocco’s highly praised tournament in January, which was characterized by world-class facilities and organization.
However, the East African bid has the backing of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, who reiterated his support during the Morocco event. He emphasized that part of CAF’s broader vision is to promote football development by granting hosting rights to countries that are still building their infrastructure capacity.
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