)
The South African billionaire has outlined five significant updates on CHAN 2025, CAF's financial state, and African football's future.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Dr. Patrice Motsepe held a highly anticipated press conference on Monday, September 16, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event followed an Executive Committee meeting in the Kenyan capital and attracted journalists from Kenya and across the world.
Dr. Motsepe, who has been at the helm of CAF since 2021, shared updates and insights on the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, CAF’s financial health, upcoming elections, and more.
Here are the five key takeaways from his remarks:
1. CHAN 2025 dates and venues confirmed
Dr. Motsepe officially announced that the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) will take place from February 1 to February 28, 2025.
This prestigious tournament, which is reserved exclusively for players who compete in domestic leagues, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The qualifying matches for CHAN 2025 will commence from October 25-27, 2024, continuing through December, to select 13 teams to join the three host countries in the final competition.
CAF confirmed that the three major cities chosen as hosts are Nairobi (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).
)
16:45 - 16.09.2024
President William Ruto confirms when Kenya intends to hand over stadia for CHAN & AFCON tournaments
President William Ruto has insisted Kenya will stay true to the timelines given for the completion of stadiums to be used for CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 tournaments.
This marks a significant return of international football to Kenya, a country that has faced difficulties in hosting matches due to issues related to stadium standards.
“We are excited about the potential of CHAN 2025. The three host nations have shown tremendous commitment, and we are confident they will deliver a world-class tournament,” said Dr. Motsepe during the press conference.
2. CAF Congress moved from DR Congo to Ethiopia
One of the key decisions announced by Dr. Motsepe was the relocation of CAF’s annual Congress, which was initially scheduled to take place in DR Congo, to Ethiopia.
This change was prompted by an outbreak of mpox in DR Congo, which raised safety concerns.
The move underscores CAF’s proactive stance on ensuring the safety of its members and participants, even at the highest levels of decision-making.
Ethiopia, with its central location in Africa, is expected to be a suitable replacement to host this crucial event.
3. CAF financial turnaround
Dr. Motsepe also addressed CAF’s financial state since his assumption of office in 2021.
When he took charge, the organization had a USD $50 million deficit, but under his leadership, CAF has managed to reduce this to $9 million.
“We’ve worked hard to turn things around, but there’s still much work to be done,” Motsepe said, expressing optimism about continuing efforts to achieve financial stability for the organization.
)
17:00 - 15.09.2024
CAF Champions League: Gor Mahia crumble at home leaving a mountain to climb against Al Ahly in Cairo
Gor Mahia face a daunting challenge in the second leg of the CAF Champions League after suffering a heavy home defeat to Al Ahly.
This financial progress is critical to CAF’s mission of fostering football development across Africa.
4. Motsepe responds to calls for a second term
As the question of whether he would seek a second term as CAF president came up, Dr. Motsepe offered an intriguing insight.
He revealed that two of CAF’s key sponsors had privately encouraged him to continue his presidency.
“They told me, if you don’t continue, we might consider stopping sponsorship,” said Motsepe.
While he stopped short of confirming whether he would seek re-election, his comment underlined the support he has from influential stakeholders within CAF.
)
17:07 - 14.09.2024
CAF Confederation Cup: Kenya Police fail to utilise their chances to hand Zamalek first leg advantage
Kenya Police failed to make their chances count as Zamalek got one step closer to sealing a CAF Confederation Cup group stage place.
5.Concerns over Kenya’s football infrastructure
Dr. Motsepe expressed frustration that Kenya’s national team has had to play its international home games abroad due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium.
He urged Kenya to address its infrastructural challenges, noting that it is time the country plays its games on home soil again.
However, he praised President William Ruto for his commitment to improving the situation.
“President Ruto is a man of his words,” Motsepe said with a smile, drawing laughter and applause from the room.
)
18:00 - 31.10.2023
AFCON 2027: Why Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania must back their words with action
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania won the hosting rights for the 2027 AFCON but winning bids of the last six tournaments suggest it is not given unless they put their houses in order in time
He concluded the session on a positive note, expressing confidence that the upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections would go smoothly.
Regardless of the outcome CAF is prepared to work with the new leadership to ensure Kenya’s football continues to develop.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)