Motsepe says Tanzania holds ‘special place’ as East Africa prepares for Afcon 2027

CAF president Patrice Motsepe says Tanzania occupies a “special place” in African football as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Uganda.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Dr Motsepe thanked Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president Wallace Karia, Deputy Minister for Sports Baraka Nyingi and other government and football officials for their support for the Confederation of African Football.

Motsepe reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to Tanzania and the wider East African region, describing Afcon 2027 as a landmark event for the area.

“The Africa Cup of Nations 2027 will be the biggest sporting event to come to this region,” he said.

The tournament will be the first Afcon finals to be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, marking a significant moment for football in East Africa.

Motsepe also highlighted the historical significance of the tournament, noting that East Africa has not hosted the continent’s premier men’s international competition for more than 50 years.

He praised Karia for his commitment to ensuring Tanzania is ready to stage the tournament, recalling a conversation in which the TFF president told him that he “doesn’t sleep” because of his work on Afcon 2027.

Motsepe said Karia’s dedication reflected the level of commitment required to deliver a successful tournament.

The CAF president also recognised the contribution of ACA chairman Eng. Hersi Said and expressed confidence in the continued growth of Tanzanian club football.

He singled out two of the country’s biggest clubs, Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga), for praise, saying he expects them to continue making Tanzania and African football proud in continental competitions.

Simba and Yanga have established themselves among East Africa’s leading clubs and have regularly represented Tanzania in CAF inter-club competitions.

Motsepe’s visit comes as preparations intensify for Afcon 2027, with Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda working towards hosting the expanded continental tournament.

The CAF president said the successful staging of the competition would provide an important opportunity not only for the three host nations but also for the wider East African region.

He concluded his remarks by thanking the media for their continued support and contribution to the development and promotion of African football.