Caf president Motsepe visits Tanzania and Kenya as part of Afcon preparations

Preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania (Pamoja) are taking shape with Caf president Patrice Motsepe visiting East Africa to check progress.

Motsepe on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam, and the following day he travelled to Kenya to meet President William Ruto in Nairobi.

During the Tanzanian visit, Motsepe conveyed his condolences to Saluhu Hassan after the passing of her husband and visited the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to review progress.

Suluhu Hassan re-affirmed the commitment of the government of Tanzania to delivering a successful tournament in a soccer-mad country which is home to some of the big clubs Simba SC, Young Africans SC and Azam FC.

Met Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe at State House Nairobi. Mr Motsepe and his team were on an assessment visit of our preparations for the AFCON tournament that Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania in June-July 2027. CAF commended… pic.twitter.com/6qqDGAmxUq

Yanga and Simba are Tanzania’s representatives in this season’s Champions League and they have progressed to the next round of the qualifiers.

In Nairobi, the meeting between Motsepe and Ruto included a delegation from Caf, Kenyan Government, Kenyan Football leadership led by president Hussein and the Local Organising Committee for the tournament.

“On our part, we assured Caf that we are committed to hosting a successful event. Everything is therefore being done to make sure that all the necessary infrastructure is ready on time and at the required standard.

“We are committed to showcasing a classic football bonanza for Africa and the world. Kenyans will display their love, passion and talent for the game during the tournament,” said Ruto.