Patrice Motsepe postpones Uganda visit over quarantine concerns as CAF chief heads to Kenya

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe says he will travel to Kenya later on Thursday as part of his engagements with football and political leaders in the country.

Motsepe is expected to meet Kenyan President William Ruto during the visit, as well as key figures within the country’s football administration.

The CAF president had also planned to travel to Uganda, but that visit has been put on hold after he was informed that travelling from Uganda to the United States could trigger a 21-day quarantine requirement because of entry restrictions.

Motsepe said the potential quarantine period would affect his wider international schedule and forced him to reconsider the Uganda leg of his trip.

The South African businessman is due to travel to the United States next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to hold a series of high-level meetings.

He said he expects to meet around 13 Heads of State during his engagements at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the increasing role of football in discussions involving governments and international organisations.

Motsepe’s visit to Kenya comes as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The tournament is set to be the first AFCON finals to be staged across the three East African countries, with CAF working closely with the respective governments and football associations on preparations.

While the Uganda visit has been postponed, Motsepe’s planned meeting with President Ruto and Kenyan football leaders is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss the country’s preparations for the continental tournament and broader football development issues.

The CAF president’s busy international schedule reflects the organisation’s efforts to strengthen relationships with governments and stakeholders as it prepares for major competitions and programmes across the continent.