In a triumphant moment for East Africa, the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The journey to securing this prestigious sporting event was not an easy one, but it was a triumph of unity and commitment.
Tanzania’s Sports Minister, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, recently shared the inside story of how this historic joint bid came to fruition. Dr. Ndumbaro credited the unwavering support from sports governing bodies across the continent as a pivotal factor in their victory.
From Cairo, Egypt, the heart of African football, Dr. Ndumbaro highlighted the collaborative efforts of the three East African nations. They skillfully garnered support from former officials of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), demonstrating why the “East Africa Pamoja Bid” was the perfect choice.
The trio’s representatives passionately pitched their vision for revitalizing sports infrastructure in preparation for the 2027 AFCON.
Dr. Ndumbaro emphasized the crucial role played by the three countries’ sports ministries. Their commitment to restructuring sports infrastructure was unwavering, catching the attention of CAF, the continental football governing body. It was in Cairo that they laid out their ambitious plans for upgrading stadiums and facilities.
“The bid victory is the result of several key factors,” Dr. Ndumbaro explained. “The heads of state of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda demonstrated their dedication to reshaping sports infrastructure to secure this bid.”
Adding to this diplomatic offensive, Egypt’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Major General Richard Mutayoba Makanzo, and former Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president Leodegar Chilla Tenga also engaged in discussions with CAF officials earlier in the week. This multi-pronged approach showcased the determination of East African nations to host the prestigious tournament.
Dr. Ndumbaro concluded with a call to action: “Our ministries came together to ensure this bid was successful. Now, the real work begins as we strive to elevate our stadiums to international standards.”
In a momentous decision, CAF President Patrice Motsepe awarded hosting rights to the East Africa Pamoja bid, outshining competing bids from Senegal, Botswana, and Egypt. This historic win marks the first time that East and Central Africa will host the AFCON, Africa’s largest football tournament.
Following the announcement, the presidents of the three host countries reaffirmed their commitment to modernizing sports infrastructure in preparation for the 2027 event. This victory is not only a sporting achievement but also a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication in the world of African football.
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