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Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania secured the hosting rights with their collective 'EAC Pamoja Bid', leaving Botswana to grapple with the financial aftermath of their failed effort.
Details have emerged on the staggering amount that Botswana invested in their unsuccessful bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania secured the hosting rights with their collective 'EAC Pamoja Bid', leaving Botswana to grapple with the financial aftermath of their failed effort.
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Botswana reportedly expended USD 5.6 million (UGX 24,6 billion) in the development of their bid book for the 2027 AFCON, a sum which is now under scrutiny given the unsuccessful outcome.
As this news surfaced, the Botswana government has been the target of criticism, with many questioning the prudence of such a hefty investment.
In response to the critique, Ruben Reddy, the head of the South African firm, Ruben Reddy Architects, which was contracted to create the 569-page bid document, justified the cost.
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15:02 - 01.10.2023
FEATURE Now that the Pamoja Bid is a Reality, What Next for East Africa?
"Now that the Pamoja Bid is a reality, what next for East Africa?" The answer lies in seizing this moment, building world-class facilities, ensuring a smooth logistical operation, and creating an unforgettable AFCON experience.
He explained to Mmegi Sport, "The proposal to prepare the bid book is based on a resource plan and associated costs to undertake the production of the project.”
“This includes the cost of specific expertise in sports bidding."
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However, in a September announcement, there emerged a glimmer of hope for Ugandan sports enthusiasts, courtesy of President Yoweri Museveni’s support for the construction of a cutting-edge sports complex at Lugogo and his backing of the East Africa PAMOJA initiative.
Ashford Mamelodi, chairperson of the Botswana 2027 Africa Cup of Nations bid committee, had submitted the bid book, which meticulously detailed cost estimates for all proposed infrastructure enhancements.
In the bid, Botswana had also pledged to spent over USD 757 million on building three new state of the art stadiums for the 2027 AFCON, had they won the rights.
Earlier in May, Botswana Sports Minister Tumiso Rakgare had revealed that Ruben Reddy Architects had provided a quote of USD 6.04 million (UGX 26,5 billion) for the development of the bid document.
This agreement was initially rooted in a 60:40 principle between Namibia and Botswana.
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10:19 - 30.09.2023
FOOTBALL AFCON 2027: The eight nations who have hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations
The only trophies that have come to CECAFA region were won by Sudan and Ethiopia on home soil.
However, Namibia later withdrew from the joint bid, citing concerns over rising expenses. This shift left Botswana to bear the entire cost.
Given the tight deadline of merely 30 days to produce the three-volume bid book, Reddy emphasized that such compressed timelines and the associated resource demands are not uncommon in the realm of international sports bids.
15:02 - 01.10.2023
FEATURE Now that the Pamoja Bid is a Reality, What Next for East Africa?
"Now that the Pamoja Bid is a reality, what next for East Africa?" The answer lies in seizing this moment, building world-class facilities, ensuring a smooth logistical operation, and creating an unforgettable AFCON experience.
The choice of Ruben Reddy Architects was grounded in the firm's impressive track record.
They have previously delivered successful bid documents for major events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Despite this pedigree, Botswana's aspirations were thwarted as the 'EAC Pamoja Bid' took centre stage, sidelining other contenders like Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria who withdrew their interest on the eve of the vote.
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