18 Aug 2022

Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to invite countries to bid for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

BONA 2027 bid committee chairperson, Ashford Mamelodi, said in an interview that they were in the dark as to when CAF would call for bid submissions.

Mamelodi, however, said that would not deter them from continuing with their mandate, adding they had the second full meeting on BONA 2027 in Johannesburg last week.

Amongst the decisions reached included fast tracking of the commencement of facilities audit.

He said although Botswana and Namibia had agreed that it should start, some challenges had had ensued on account of getting both countries to study and appreciate the costs implications.

“If you remember, the facilities audit was never on our terms of reference,” said Mamelodi.

He, however, said this week, he had meetings with the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture and his permanent secretary.

They were both keen to have the audit commenced.

“I am aware that the permanent secretary is on top of this matter and we should get the go ahead very soon,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the recent changes at executive level of the responsible ministry in Namibia had also contributed to the delay, as the new principal needed to be fully appraised on the activities of BONA 2027.

He said Namibia was expected to report to their respective principals in the respective ministries on the outcomes.

“Once this has been done and relevant approval given, we will share with the media the outcome,” he said.

Mamelodi further said stakeholder management was ongoing, adding they recently touched base with the leadership of the Botswana Tourism Organisation being the key stakeholder in tourism and hotels in all host cities or towns.

“This weekend we are visiting another key stakeholder namely the BFA NEC when they meet on Saturday, so that we can take them on board what we are about and how much ground has been covered,” he said.

Mamelodi said it was important that they did not lose sight that their assignment was about football, and they were therefore expected to upraise the BFA as often as possible and seek their guidance on various matters. ENDS