- In the aftermath of a development that has left the East Africa region with immeasurable excitement, Caf President Patrice Motsepe has revealed that the three countries displayed huge commitment in their quest to stage the continental finals.
- According to information released by the continental governing body, the three countries strengthened their bid on several pillars, most notable of which was their unmatched display of solidarity.
Image: HANDOUT
Political goodwill from the three East African heads of states immensely contributed to a successful Pamoja Bid.
On Wednesday, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania were accorded the rights to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations following a Caf Ex-co meeting in Cairo, Egypt.
In the aftermath of a development that has left the East Africa region with immeasurable excitement, Caf President Patrice Motsepe has revealed that the three countries displayed huge commitment in their quest to stage the continental finals.
Motsepe said the trio exhibited exemplary enthusiasm in their bid, adding that their zeal bode well for the upcoming showpiece.
“All the three heads of state, President (William) Ruto, President (Yoweri) Museveni, and President Samia (Suluhu) have displayed deep commitment toward the project,” Motsepe said.
“I just want to say we have set strict guidelines for these countries, both in terms of freedom of movement of people in and out of the countries and support for infrastructure development. We will be dispatching teams to evaluate the progress that has been made.”
According to information released by the continental governing body, the three countries strengthened their bid on several pillars, the most notable of which was their unmatched display of solidarity.
Motsepe said they based their choice to ratify the Pamoja Bid on the growth, progress, and unity of the three countries.
Image: PCS
“Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania came together because our standards and requirements are very high,” he elaborated.
“Sometimes it requires hundreds of millions, even billions in infrastructure. It makes me proud when football brings countries together. Afcon 2027 is going to be a huge success.”
Indeed, various leaders in the region agree that the bid succeeded on the strength of a firm unity of purpose.
President Ruto echoed Motsepe’s views, saying the three nations would work closely to deliver a cutting-edge football tournament in 2027.
“We will mobilise every resource, every person, and every sector to ensure that we deliver a world-class football event in 2027,” Ruto said.
“We will ensure that all the necessary infrastructural facilities are put in place to take Kenya to the next level in our sports industry. We will deliver a world-class football event.”
Tanzanian President Suluhu said her government would immediately embark on setting the stage for a successful tournament.
“We feel honoured to have the opportunity to host Afcon 2027 alongside our neighbours Kenya and Uganda,” Suluhu posted on X.
“I am instructing the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports to prepare adequately by completing the construction of two new stadiums in Dodoma and Arusha in time for the tournament.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Ugandan President Museveni said he was happy the East African bid was successful.
“I thank Samia Hassan Suluhu and William Ruto in particular for their swift acceptance of our bid to host the event,” Museveni said.
“Common sense demonstrated to the assessors as well, I’m sure, that the Pan-African effort was logically the most alluring, regardless of any other factors. Only by applying this approach to other domains will we be able to reap greater rewards,” he asserted.
Image: FILE
“Additionally, combining the sports infrastructure, such as stadia, improved the appeal of our bid. I applaud the African sporting authorities for making this comprehensibly sound choice.”
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said the three countries should leverage the chance to show the world that they can forge a unity of purpose.
“For me, hosting this massive event jointly is a huge boost for integration. However, it’s also a chance for us to demonstrate that we can work well together,” said Namwamba.
“It will be a fantastic chance to expand the game in East Africa. In the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya will all compete as hosts together for the first time.”
Caf added that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania having eight international airports within an hour of each other as well as accessible road, water, and railway transport networks was a plus for the Pamoja Bid.
Caf also cited the heavy presence of five-star hotels across Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam. They also have favorable climatic conditions.
Additionally, the three nations have, over time, developed a reputation as desirable tourist destinations, and combining this with the tournament may prove to be a powerful draw.
Former Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye believes the tournament will have a drastic impact on the tourism sector.
“The tournament will have a lasting effect on the region’s tourism industry and we are bound to grow economically as a result of the tourists’ spending,” Musonye quipped.
Key to note is the single tourist visa for entry to the seven EAC countries, which will make it easy for teams and fans to access the matches. Additionally, all the countries have cutting-edge leisure and entertainment joints that brim with revelers both at night and on the weekend.
Caf further described East Africans as the most beautiful and receptive people in Africa, capable of providing a high level of hospitality.
Caf went on to lavish praise on the East African trio for maintaining the much-needed political and economic stability as well as top-of-range health facilities.
All three countries rank among the top 15 economies in Africa and have a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over US $240 billion.
Image: Xinhua
Other factors that Caf considered included the passion that Kenyans, Tanzanians, and Ugandans have exhibited for the world’s most popular sports.
With a passionate population of over 300 million football fanatics and a minimum of nine home matches, the full-capacity stadiums could likely translate to high revenues for Caf and the three countries.
Also, the host nations are each assured of getting at least $600,000 (Sh89,400,000) as participants.
During the 2019 edition in Egypt, winners got $4.5 million (Sh666m), while runners-up and third-placed nations received $2.5m (Sh370m) and $2m (Sh296m) respectively. Such revenue can be plowed back into the development of football in the countries.
The concept of equitable distribution of football benefits also influenced the awarding criterion. So far, 18 out of 54 nations have hosted Afcon with Ethiopia the last Cecafa country to host the event 51 years ago.
Caf’s demonstration of football solidarity also influenced the decision, with the executive committee committing to use affirmative action to boost infrastructure development in Africa.
The countries that have benefitted from the action to date are Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.
The continental body strongly felt it was now time for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to reap the fruits of the noble exercise.
Caf described the Pamoja Bid as a strategic fit that is in line with the African Union Agenda 2063, and East Africa Community Vision 2050 which aims to achieve sustainable development for all.
However, concerns are emerging about the capacity of the three federations to handle the task ahead.
Renowned football administrator, Hussein Mohamed, has urged the government to ensure a smooth transition in the leadership of the Football Kenya Federation for the sake of the tournament.
“East Africa has reason to celebrate after successfully securing the bid to host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027,” Hussein said.
He termed the development a remarkable achievement that not only brings immense pride to the region but also presents a golden opportunity to showcase the rich footballing talent, cultural diversity, and natural beauty that East Africa has to offer.
Image: HANDOUT
“The acceptance of this bid places a heavy responsibility on us to ensure that our football federation operates with the utmost transparency and efficiency. To achieve this, we must have a clear and comprehensive election roadmap in place by early next year,” said Hussein.
He reiterated the need for the upcoming elections to be conducted as scheduled in February.
“This will not only enhance the credibility of our football governance but will also reassure our stakeholders, partners, and the international football community that we are committed to the highest standards of integrity. This commitment is crucial as we embark on the journey to host the AFCON in 2027,” he said.
“Therefore, I urge the Ministry of Sports to work collaboratively with the Football Kenya Federation to expedite the release of the election roadmap. Our football federation must set an example of integrity, good governance, and accountability. This starts with the transparent and timely organization of elections. The future of Kenyan football and our successful bid to host the AFCON depends on it.”