Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has praised kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during his visit to Nairobi, Kenya.
During his visit, Dr Motsepe inspected the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, and the Raila Odinga International Stadium (Talanta Sports City), where he held a press briefing. He later paid a courtesy call on the Head of State, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto, at State House, Nairobi.
Motsepe was accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Hon Salim Mvurya, Sports Principal Secretary Hon Elijah Mwangi, CECAFA President Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam, FKF President Hussein Mohammed, CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, Kenya Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman Nicholas Musonye and CEO Tony Lungaho, among other dignitaries.
Motsepe has explained what gives him belief that Kenya will stage a successful tournament alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya is set to stage the continental tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17 next year.
The CAF boss acknowledged that some areas at Kasarani Stadium still require significant renovation but insisted that these shortcomings should not overshadow the positive developments
Motsepe’s optimism extended to Tanzania, where he met with government and football officials in Dar es Salaam on Thursday. However, Kenya’s readiness has faced public scrutiny in recent months, with concerns raised about the state of its facilities. Motsepe dismissed these negative reports
He revealed that while he had previously received a “negative report” on Kenya’s progress, he instructed his team to focus on solutions rather than problems. “I told the CAF team that you will never succeed if you focus on the negatives and shortcomings. I asked them to identify the areas where we need to make changes and improvements, and we have improved. I am now more confident than ever before.