CAF President Patrice Motsepe is received by FKF President Hussein Mohamed/HANDOUT Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has moved to ease concerns over preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), insisting that the “Pamoja” bid is progressing on schedule across all three host nations.
Motsepe arrived in Nairobi on Sunday evening for the Africa Forward Summit, where his agenda focuses on reviewing progress for the Afcon 2027.
The CAF boss spent the better part of Monday holding high-level meetings with government officials and football administrators, while also inspecting key infrastructure projects including stadium upgrades across the Kenyan capital.
Motsepe later joined Presidents William Samoei Ruto, Emmanuel Macron of France and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal at the University of Nairobi, where they observed several matches during the sports demonstrations.
He was flanked by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, acting CAF General Secretary Samson Adamu, Uganda’s FA President Moses Magogo with Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, Tanzania’s FA President Wallace Karia with Sports Minister Paul Makonda, and the Pamoja Local Organising Committee.
“Allegations that East Africa is not ready are unfounded,” Motsepe said.
He added that the region would not lose its hosting rights despite external doubts.
“East Africa will not be deprived of the opportunity to host Afcon 2027.”
Motsepe also expressed satisfaction with the progress of preparations across the three countries.
“We are satisfied with the progress we are seeing on infrastructure development across the host nations.”
He further stressed confidence in the planning and execution frameworks already in place.
“Afcon 2027 is firmly on track and we are confident in the delivery plans presented by the host nations.”
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed Motsepe’s visit, describing it as a strong signal of confidence in East Africa’s football development journey.
He noted that the Pamoja bid had already transformed regional cooperation in sports infrastructure planning.
“Your leadership has given East Africa an opportunity to profile football and tourism on a global stage.”
He added that Kenya was intensifying preparations ahead of the tournament.
“We are committed to double our efforts to ensure we host a successful Pamoja Afcon in 2027.”
Mvurya also highlighted the broader economic value of the competition.
“Sports is a catalyst that brings nations together and unlocks economic ecosystems.”
He further pointed to ongoing technical collaboration among the three host nations.
“We now have technical teams working on the ground on a daily basis.”
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed expressed confidence that East Africa would deliver a distinctive and memorable tournament experience.
He insisted that preparations were progressing steadily across all hosting countries.
“East Africa is ready and will deliver one of the best AFCON tournaments the continent has ever seen.”
He clarified that the region was not seeking comparisons with previous hosts.
“We do not intend to compete with Morocco, we are unique in East Africa.”
He emphasised the cultural strengths that would define the tournament experience.
“East Africa is known for its hospitality and hardworking population.”
He also assured CAF that operational readiness was being prioritised.
“We will work day and night within the local organizing committees to ensure a spectacular event.”
He further acknowledged CAF’s role in supporting the bid.
“You have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure this competition is hosted in East Africa.”
Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang also praised CAF’s leadership and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the project.
He thanked Motsepe for his continued engagement with African football development.
“We really want to thank you, Dr Motsepe, for the changes you have brought into African football.”
He added that Uganda was fully aligned with CAF’s technical guidance.
“We have decided to follow the guidance of your technical people in a very structured way.”
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Eng. Moses Hassim Magogo described Afcon 2027 as a historic turning point for East African football.
He reflected on the journey from early discussions to the current stage of preparation.
“What started as a dream is now becoming reality for East Africa.”
He noted that the project had already changed perceptions across the region.
“It looked impossible at the beginning, but today it is proof that African football can dream big and deliver bigger.”
He also emphasised the wider regional impact beyond football.
“East Africa has woken up, not just governments but also the private sector.”
As Motsepe concluded his Nairobi engagements, CAF maintained that preparations for Afcon 2027 remain firmly on schedule, with continued inspections and coordination expected to intensify across the three host nations in the coming months.
