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CAF Safety and Security expert Dixon Bond Okello has expressed sturdy optimism that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will for the first time in history, make a long awaited appearance in East Africa, come 2027.
Uganda, along with Kenya and Tanzania submitted in a historical 'Pamoja' bid, hoping for CAF's consideration.
And, Okello, who has been at multiple international football events including the AFCON, believes the three countries are in a strong position to win the bid.
"I am very confident as a Certified FIFA and CAF Safety and Security Officer, who has also inspected and worked in some of the top stadiums in Africa, that AFCON 2027, will be hosted in East Africa," stated Okello in a post.
"The CAF inspection team, that is currently visiting East Africa,will look at five key areas namely; Stadiums, training grounds, hospitals, hotels and Airports,but it's important to that bids are awarded on plans not what exists."
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"All the three East African, countries (Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda) have far better developed Infrastructure wise than Gabon (2017) and Cameroon (2022) countries that hosted AFCON recently," Okello added.
"We have better airports, hotels, hospitals and definitely better road networks and only have to improve on our Stadiums," he asserted.
He further made a case of former hosts having substandard facilities at the time of the events, which he feels Uganda are doing far better at.
"For the case of Gabon, the country lacked top quality accommodation. Most teams, stayed in substandard Hotels."
"For Cameroon AFCON 2022, where I was incharge of Douala Stadium as the CAF Safety and Security Officer, major construction work was still going on at the main stadium in Yaounde, even on the day of the final match."
A CAF inspection team is set to visit the three nations, starting with Kenya. The inspection team will the proceed to Uganda on July 28-29 and conclude their tour with Tanzania.
Uganda is set to showcase the Mandela National Stadium, St. Mary's Stadium, and Nakivubo Stadium, with the latter two earmarked as training grounds.
In addition, the five-star Sheraton Hotel Kampala and Serena Hotel will be inspected, alongside the country’s only international airport at Entebbe, and the Mulago National Referral Hospital.
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