The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, will be in Uganda on Friday, December 20, 2024, as part of a three-nation tour to assess preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. Uganda, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, will co-host the prestigious tournament scheduled for early next year.
Dr. Motsepe’s visit to Kampala will focus on engaging key stakeholders, including the Ugandan government, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), and the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
His itinerary includes inspecting stadiums and training facilities currently being renovated to meet international standards. This inspection comes after a CAF delegation conducted a second tour in November, evaluating infrastructure such as stadiums, training sites, hotels, and airports.
Strengthening Uganda’s role in CHAN 2024
Uganda’s preparations for CHAN 2024 are in full swing, with ongoing renovations at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, and other facilities. Dr. Motsepe’s visit underscores CAF’s commitment to ensuring the readiness of all co-hosting nations. The Ugandan football fraternity, led by FUFA, has expressed confidence in the country’s ability to deliver a successful tournament.
FUFA President Moses Magogo emphasized the significance of hosting CHAN, stating, “This is a golden opportunity to showcase Uganda’s passion for football and our ability to host an international event of this magnitude. We are excited to welcome Dr. Motsepe and demonstrate our progress.”
The broader East African tour
Dr. Motsepe’s visit begins on Thursday, December 19, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, before proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday morning. His final stop will be Kampala on Friday afternoon. Across all three countries, the CAF President will meet with government officials, football leadership, and LOCs to discuss progress and ensure seamless collaboration among the co-hosts.
CHAN 2024: A boost for regional football
The CHAN tournament, featuring the best domestic-based players across Africa, represents a significant milestone for East Africa’s football scene. The collaboration between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania as co-hosts reflects the region’s growing prominence in African football.
Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, is already gearing up for the competition, with the squad recently announced for their friendly match against Burundi. FUFA is optimistic that hosting CHAN will further inspire the team and boost local football development.
