The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) recently concluded with Ivory Coast emerging victorious over Nigeria. Looking ahead, the AFCON roadshow is set to grace Morocco in 2025 before making its way to East Africa in 2027, where Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will jointly host the prestigious tournament.
However, as the clock ticks closer to the event, concerns arise about the readiness of the host nations, particularly Kenya, under the management of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
This article delves into the incompetency of the FKF in preparing for AFCON 2027 and emphasizes the need for President William Ruto to reorganize priorities for a successful hosting.
Challenges of Joint Hosting
The upcoming AFCON 2027 presents a unique challenge as it marks the first-ever joint hosting of the tournament, involving Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Managing the jurisdictional overlaps between these nations requires careful navigation, collaboration, and efficient coordination.
The success of such an endeavor hinges on the ability of each country to contribute effectively to the preparations.
The Role of FKF
While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) serves as the main organizer of AFCON, the onus of executing the intricate details falls on regional and national football administrators.
In the case of Kenya, the responsibility lies with the FKF, an organization that has struggled even with the organization of the CECAFA tournament. The inadequacies of the FKF leadership raise doubts about their capability to handle the complexities of hosting a continental tournament.
Government Intervention
The Kenyan government, along with its counterparts in Tanzania and Uganda, must assume responsibility for the successful organization of AFCON 2027. This entails ensuring that infrastructure, such as stadiums, roads, airports, and hotels, meets the required standards.
However, if left to the current FKF leadership, hosting even a single match seems like an insurmountable challenge.
The Call for FKF Elections
To address the looming crisis, urgent FKF elections are imperative. The government should ensure that the elections adhere to stipulated timelines without delays. The appointment of capable and competent individuals to lead the FKF is crucial for the success of AFCON 2027 preparations.
Relying on the current leadership is not an option, considering their track record of incompetence.
Dual Challenge of Elections
Adding to the complexity, 2027 is also an election year for Kenya. Balancing the efforts and resources between AFCON preparations and general elections will be a delicate task. It requires a strategic and coordinated approach to ensure that the country excels on both fronts.
The success of AFCON should not be overshadowed by political priorities.
Learning from Others
Recent lessons from the AFCON hosted by a nation recovering from various challenges, including corruption, civil war, and economic instability, highlight the potential for success under the right circumstances.
Kenya can draw inspiration from these experiences but must also recognize the need for deliberate actions from both the government and the incoming FKF leadership.
President Ruto’s Priorities
Football stakeholders are calling on President William Ruto to reassess and reorganize his football priorities.
Starting with the demand for free, fair, credible, and verifiable FKF elections conducted by the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC), President Ruto needs to demonstrate commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the success of AFCON 2027.
The government must play an active role in ensuring that promises made on paper, such as proposed football stadiums and infrastructure, materialize on the ground.
The success of AFCON 2027 will not only be a testament to East Africa’s capabilities but also a reflection of effective leadership and collaboration between the government and football stakeholders. Time is of the essence, and Kenya must act swiftly to ensure a memorable and successful tournament.
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