• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 3 hrs ago

CAF launches new committee to fast-track AFCON 2027 preparation

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially launched the PAMOJA Oversight Committee to supervise preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The decision was reached during a high-level meeting held in Nairobi on Monday on the sidelines of the Africa Summit, bringing together CAF President Patrice Motsepe, government officials and football federation leaders from the three East African nations.

The newly formed committee will immediately begin overseeing the strategic direction, coordination and delivery of preparations for the continent’s biggest football tournament, which will be hosted in East Africa for the first time in history.

Among the leaders present at the meeting were Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda, and Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang.

Football federation presidents also attended the meeting, including FKF President Mohammed Hussein, Tanzania Football Federation President Wallace Karia and FUFA President Moses Magogo, alongside CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu.

The stakeholders signed a joint resolution officially establishing the PAMOJA Oversight Committee, with a clear roadmap set for completion by August 2026.

Key priorities include faster construction and upgrading of stadiums and infrastructure, confirmation of host venues and operational plans, improved coordination on visas and cross-border movement, and stronger safety, security and medical preparedness ahead of the tournament.

Motsepe expressed confidence in the region’s readiness to stage the competition, dismissing concerns over delays in preparations.

“Allegations that East Africa is not ready are unfounded. East Africa will not be deprived of the opportunity to host AFCON 2027,” said Motsepe.

He added that CAF is satisfied with the progress made so far and remains confident that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will successfully deliver the tournament.

The 2027 tournament will mark a historic moment for East African football as the three nations prepare to jointly welcome Africa’s biggest football event under the PAMOJA partnership.