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The Botswana and Namibia (BONA) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 Bid Committee has revealed that it is considering the option of roping in a third country for a stronger edge over other contestants that have shown interest in hosting the 2027 Afcon.
Addressing the media recently in Gaborone, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture Tumiso Rakgare revealed that they are likely to approach Zambia as the country is in the same region as Botswana and Namibia.
He noted that they are considering the option as a way of re-enforcing the BONA27 bid as they are wary of the threat that other countries pose ahead of the bid though they remain determined to submit a compelling one.
“Every country has a right to bid and it is a good thing for us so that we can intensify ours, therefore we are going to do our best to submit a very enticing bid that will grab Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s attention,” he said.
Rakgare stated that they are in talks with Namibia to consider bringing in a third country to solidify their bid. He further indicated that there is already progress as both countries are willing to do everything possible for the bid to succeed.
He said bringing in a third country for the bid has some advantages as it adds diversity to the offering.
Rakgare also stressed that winning the bid would go a long way in boosting the country’s economy through infrastructure development and employment creation.
“In addition to sports and football, there are positives that will come with winning the bid, hence our dedication to succeeding because we would like to see the youth employed and the economy being boosted through tourism among others,” the minister stressed.
The joint bid committee is currently in the process of compiling a bid book that will contain all the information outlining a detailed bid of the committee which will thereafter be submitted to Confederation of African Football (CAF). This follows the completion of facilities audit in the two countries by Reuben Reddy Architects, who have since handed it to the committee.
Should Botswana and Namibia win the bid, Mamelodi said arrangements are in order that Windhoek will stage the opening game while Gaborone would host the final.
