CAF president Patrice Motsepe has once again backed Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania to deliver the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but warned the hosts that the clock is ticking.
Motsepe, who inspected preparations in Tanzania on Thursday, acknowledged the challenges facing the Pamoja project but urged the three countries to move faster.
“There will always be challenges and areas that require improvement, but we have to believe in ourselves as East Africans and Africans that we will work together and meet those deadlines,” he said.
His message comes as concerns persist over stadiums, training facilities and other infrastructure needed to stage Africa’s biggest football tournament.
But Motsepe remains confident the job can be done.
“I’m very proud of the good work that’s taking place in Tanzania. And we have nine months, and part of my emphasis is that we have to speed up, and we are here to work together to help, to assist. This is our AFCON,” he said.
The CAF chief is assessing preparations across the three host nations, with Kenya and Uganda also part of his inspection tour.
On Uganda’s side, Mandela National Stadium – Namboole, remains central to the plans, alongside the planned tournament infrastructure in Hoima Stadium, not forgetting Aki Bua Stadium.
The 2027 AFCON, scheduled for June 19 to July 17, will be the first edition jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
CAF has established a Pamoja Oversight Committee involving the three governments and football federations to coordinate preparations, including stadiums, transport, visas, security, medical services and other tournament operations.