How East Africa’s AFCON 2027 Joint Bid Victory Was Achieved
Tanzania’s Minister of Sports, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, disclosed that support from African sports regulatory bodies was instrumental in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda’s successful bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ndumbaro stated in Cairo, Egypt, that former officials of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) had lent their support to the East Africa Pamoja Bid to demonstrate its superiority.
He noted that the sports officials from the three nations also set up camp in Cairo, explaining to CAF, the regulating body of football on the African continent, how they will upgrade the sports infrastructure in preparation for the 2027 event.
“Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have won the bid because of several reasons. The presidents of the three countries have shown commitment to restructuring their sports infrastructure to win the bid,” he said.
“The Ministers of Sports across the three countries also pitched camp in Cairo to voice our opinions on why we were the clear victor. Sports federations across the EAC had also joined us.”
Earlier in the week, Egypt’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Major General Richard Mutayoba Makanzo, and the former president of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Leodegar Chilla Tenga, met with CAF officials.
“Our ministries convened to ensure that we won the bid. Now is the time, for us to work hard and ensure our stadia are up to international standards,” he added.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe granted the hosting rights to the East Africa Pamoja bid, beating Senegal, Botswana, and Egypt. The AFCON, the largest football tournament in Africa, will be contested in East and Central Africa for the first time as a result of this historic victory.
ALSO READ:
- Governor Arati Stops Salaries Of 740 Workers
- IPOA Details How Corrupt Officers Manipulate Forensic Investigations
- Ruto Part of Exclusive Club of 8 World Leaders With Key Accomplishments
Moments after the announcement, the presidents of the three host nations pledged to honor their commitments to modernize the sports infrastructure in advance of the 2027 event.
“I received good news that our joint bid with Kenya and Tanzania to host the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2027 was successful. I thank the organizers for putting up a good case for East Africa. This will promote our countries and positively impact our economies, especially the tourism sector,” Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni said.
“We thank God that we are graced with the opportunity to host AFCON 2027, alongside Kenya and Uganda. We applaud all of you for supporting us to ensure that our countries secured the bid. I instruct the Ministers to get to work and ensure the stadia are in line with international standards and are complete in record time,” Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu noted.
In contrast, President William Ruto acknowledged that his government’s efforts are beginning to bear fruit. In return, he promised to host a football tournament of world-class caliber in 2027.
“We’ll mobilize every resource, every person, and every sector to ensure that we deliver a world-class football event in 2027. 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,” Ruto stated.
How East Africa’s AFCON 2027 Joint Bid Victory Was Achieved
