Patrice Motsepe Urges Greater Urgency for AFCON 2027 Preparations

Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe inspected Nairobi venues on September 18, 2026, highlighting the need for greater urgency in preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, while government officials pledged to complete all facility work and test matches by December.

The President of Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Dr Patrice Motsepe on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to Tanzania Head of State, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. During the visit, Dr Motsepe conveyed his condolences and that of the 54 Member Associations of CAF to Her Excellency Samia Suluhu following the sad passing of her husband. Dr Motsepe used the occasion to also give a briefing to President Suluhu on the progress made in the preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027. President Suluhu thanked Dr Motsepe for the visit and the message of condolences. She re-affirmed the commitment of the Government of Tanzania to delivering a successful TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

Earlier on Thursday, Dr Motsepe met Tanzania Prime Minister, Honourable Mwigulu Nchemba. He was joined by CAF Vice Presidents, Kurt Okraku and Faizel Sidat, Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, Tanzania Football Federation President Wallace Karia, Chairman of the Tanzania Local Organizing Committee Leodgar Tenga and also senior members of the Tanzania Government.

Inspection Tours Expose Deficiencies in Nairobi Venues

CAF President Patrice Motsepe toured construction and upgrade sites in Kenya, inspecting both Kasarani Stadium and the newly built 60,000-capacity Talanta Sports City Stadium, alongside Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed who accompanied the CAF delegation during the inspection. While acknowledging visible progress, Motsepe pointed to significant areas falling behind schedule following a mid-February inspection where local organizers were instructed to have stadiums roughly 80% ready by August.

Motsepe began his inspection visit for Afcon 2027 in Tanzania before touring Kenya, where he inspected two venues in Nairobi: Kasarani Stadium and the newly constructed 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium. BBC Sport Africa understands that one of the main areas of concern in Kenya is the Kasarani and its corresponding training facility. The stadium is set to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which Nairobi was awarded on Tuesday ahead of London and Rome.

Patrice Motsepe Urges Greater Urgency for AFCON 2027 Preparations — Photo: KBC Digital

At Kasarani Stadium, which was also recently awarded the 2029 World Athletics Championships, major tasks remain unaddressed. The playing surface is still unlaid, and critical work is needed on floodlights, sky boxes, and cabling for broadcast and television operations according to BBC Sport Africa. Motsepe also highlighted that security arrangements for hundreds of visiting dignitaries and heads of state necessitate complete reconfigurations of original stadium designs as explained by the 64-year-old CAF leader.

“Security issues in relation to where the special guests, particularly the heads of state, will be seated requires a revision of the original plans.”

Patrice Motsepe, CAF President

Government Pledges December Completion for Test Matches

Meeting at State House, Nairobi, on September 18, 2026, President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya pushed back against lingering doubts over infrastructure timelines. Ruto affirmed the country’s commitment to delivering a high-standard continental showcase, while Mvurya assured both continental football leadership and citizens that remedial construction plans are firmly underway.

Ruto meets Motsepe as CAF gives Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania AFCON vote of confidence — Photo: the-star.co.ke

“I assure Caf and Kenyans we will accelerate the preparations for Afcon 2027. We will conclude everything by December to be sure we can have test matches in the various facilities.”

Salim Mvurya, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for sports

Mvurya noted that local teams have finalized scoping for all earmarked improvements and agreed on an accelerated work plan. The government committed to finishing all remaining infrastructure work by December to enable test matches across the renovated facilities.

Strict Preconditions and No Alternative Plans

Motsepe firmly dismissed any speculation about contingency venues, emphasizing that the joint regional bid involving Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania is proceeding without a backup strategy as stated during his remarks.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reviews AFCON 2027 preparations across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

“There is no Plan B, there is no Plan C, there never will be a Plan B, there never will be a Plan C.”

Patrice Motsepe, CAF President

Addressing reporters alongside his inspection delegation, Motsepe explained that each of the three co-hosting nations will stage its own opening ceremony and opening match to provide a unique experience for fans and players. However, he stressed that high preconditions remain non-negotiable for changing rooms, media infrastructure, and spectator comfort.

The January Deadline for Final Assessment

With the tournament scheduled for June and July 2027, the window for correcting structural deficiencies is narrowing rapidly. Motsepe indicated that his next evaluation will determine whether the three nations meet mandatory readiness thresholds before the competition begins.