AFCON bid’s five-star dilemma
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday August 12, 2023 06:00
Led by Ashford Mamelodi, the bid committee extended a warm welcome to the three-member inspection team representing Africa’s football governing body. The delegation arrived in a phased manner, with the initial two members touching down in Gaborone on Thursday of last week, followed by the third official on Friday.
Subsequently, the team journeyed to Francistown and Kasane on Friday, conducting thorough evaluations in Gaborone and Lobatse the following day.
Mamelodi informed Mmegi Sport that the inspection team’s experience was notably positive, with high praise for the warm hospitality they enjoyed during their stay. “They were happy with the hospitality extended to them during their stay which made their work much easier,” Mamelodi remarked. He further noted: “They also appeared to be quite happy with our airports.”
The trio’s itinerary included arrivals at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, followed by visits to the Phillip Matante Airport in Francistown and the Kasane International Airport.
While Mamelodi commended the hospitality and the state of the airports, the inspectors highlighted a key concern: the absence of five-star hotels in the capital city. Mamelodi acknowledged this issue, saying: “The issue of hotels did come up, and we shall require five-star hotels, particularly to house the CAF executive committee and staff. We will engage the hotels in order to establish their plans with regard to improving their star rating.”
Unlike facilities such as stadia and infrastructure, the enhancement of hotel standards does not fall within the purview of the government, as it is contingent on business decisions made by investors.
Upon the conclusion of inspections in all competing countries, the auditors will compile a comprehensive report for CAF’s evaluation.
CAF’s inspection tour encompasses several bidding nations, including Algeria, Senegal, Nigeria, and Benin, as well as the East African consortium of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. In July, CAF officials assessed facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and this week, they examined the offerings in Benin and Nigeria.
Originally, Algeria was part of the 2025 bid but later joined the competition for hosting the 2027 tournament. This adjustment reportedly aimed at avoiding a contentious rivalry between Morocco and Algeria. With Morocco strongly tipped to secure hosting rights for the 2025 event, leaving Zambia as its primary rival, CAF’s focus might shift away from North Africa for the 2027 edition, giving Botswana a boost. Algeria currently holds an infrastructure advantage, but CAF could opt for a different geographical region for the 2027 finals.