Motsepe hails Tanzania’s support for South Africa during apartheid struggle

CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has paid tribute to Tanzania for its historic support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.

Addressing the media in Tanzania on Tuesday, Motsepe reflected on the strong bond between the two countries, recalling how the Tanzanian people stood in solidarity with South Africans during one of the most difficult periods in the country’s history.

Motsepe said the support Tanzania provided to South Africa while he was growing up left a lasting impression on him and many other South Africans.

He described the solidarity shown by Tanzanians as the kind of gesture that remains with people throughout their lives and continues to influence how they conduct themselves and make decisions.

“I remember when I was growing up, the people of Tanzania supported us in our struggle against apartheid,” Motsepe said.

He added that such acts of solidarity create bonds that go beyond football, politics or individual generations.

Motsepe said the memories of Tanzania’s support remain deeply rooted in the minds of South Africans and continue to shape relationships between the two nations.

The CAF president’s comments come as Tanzania prepares, alongside Kenya and Uganda, to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has repeatedly highlighted the importance of the three host nations working together to deliver a successful tournament, while also emphasising the wider significance of the competition for football and the continent.

For Motsepe, however, Tanzania’s relationship with South Africa carries a much deeper historical meaning.

He said the solidarity shown during the anti-apartheid struggle is something that people never forget, suggesting that the history between the two countries remains an important foundation for their continued relationship.

The CAF president’s remarks also underline the broader role football can play in strengthening relationships across Africa, particularly at a time when Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are preparing to stage one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.

With AFCON 2027 approaching, Motsepe has stressed the need for CAF and the host countries to work closely together, while his reflections on Tanzania’s past support for South Africa highlighted the enduring ties that connect countries across the continent.