20 Mar 2023

Reuben Reddy Architect (RRA), a South African company tasked to audit facilities in Botswana and Namibia, is expected to hand the report on March 27. 

The audit is to determine the gap on what exists and what is required for Botswana to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations with Namibia in 2027.

Speaking at a recent press conference in Gaborone, BoNa 2027 bid committee chairperson, Ashford Mamelodi, said ministers of sport from both countries would have the first report once ready.

“Obviously they would take it to their cabinets because at the end of the day, cabinet is the one to approve or disapprove,” he said.

Mamelodi said in his view, the facilities’ audit would check the appetite of both countries. 

He said another objective was the cost of bridging the gap,

He said the Botswana National Sport Commission would be expected to appoint a lead consultant to compile a bid book considering that they had to move fast. The intention is to ensure that once CAF opens for 2027 bidding, the bid book will be ready.

He said they were hoping to hear the announcement of 2025 soon. 

Mamelodi said the announcement had the bearing on BoNa 2027 bid because some counties that might lose in 2025 bids, might might bid for 2027.

“So as BoNa, we must be fully prepared and our agreement in the committee is that we must just push ahead, even if we haven’t heard from CAF, be at least 75 or 80 per-cent away from completion so that when CAF pounces, we don’t start from scratch,” he said.

Talking about the possibility of Zambia joining the two countries in the joint bid, he said he was aware that some discussions were being held, adding that they were also aware that CAF allowed more than two countries to bid.

“But officially I have no information from the permanent secretary or the minister. I know the meeting took place but I am not privy to the information,” he said.

RRA representative, Reuben Reddy said they had completed their audit and had visited all entities that had been identified and examined nine stadia. 

He said they visited four stadiums in Nambia and five in Botswana, adding that they were completing the report by validating numbers and findings.

“Once we have done that, we think in the next week, we should have all of that tied up and ready to be delivered to the bid committee,” he said. ends