Youth, Sports, Gender and Culture minister, Tumiso Rakgare has said that the highly attended international friendly match between Township Rollers and the South Africa giant Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at the National stadium was a testimony that Botswana can indeed successfully host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking at the opening of the game, Rakgare once again called on African countries and the Confederations of African Football (CAF) decision making board to support Botswana’s bid to host AFCON2027.
He was humbled by the full capacity of the National stadium which was sold out for all the stands. According to Rakgare, the attendance is a testimony that indeed Batswana love sports and that they can be able to attend AFCON matches.
Furthermore, Rakgare challenged CAF decision making board and other affiliated countries to support Botswana’s bid to host the African showpiece stressing that the Saturday game has shown how much Batswana are desperate for big competitions.
“We are capable and ready to serve the world and not only Africa because we have what it takes to bring Africa to Botswana. Africa should know that we are a peace loving nation and security is primary above all therefore Africa is safe in here,” he added.
Recently, at the CAF’s 45th Ordinary General Assembly, the Botswana bid committee delegation led by the minister engaged the CAF executive members to support the country’s bid to host AFCON 2027 therefore, the minister is hopeful of a positive outcome.
Botswana faces competition from Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda after Egypt and Senegal withdrew their bid. CAF is set to announce the winner of the bid in September.
Meanwhile, the CAF inspection team is in Botswana to audit various selected facilities in host venues as submitted in the bid book. The facilities include competitions and training venues, airports and hotels in Lobatse, Gaborone, Francistown and Kasane.
As per the press release, Gaborone and Lobatse facilities will be inspected today (Friday) while inspection for Francistown and Kasane will be done tomorrow (Saturday 5th) and the team is expected to depart on Sunday.
The Bid committee spokesperson Tuelo Serufho indicated that the committee is working hard with stakeholders in the host venues to have seamless inspection sessions and produce a long last impression that Botswana is a perfect choice to host the 36th AFCON edition in 2027.
