The tournament is scheduled to begin on 19 June 2027, with the three East African nations set to make history as joint hosts. However, the report says stadium work, facilities and wider infrastructure remain the main concerns for CAF.
Motsepe has reportedly ruled out moving the competition elsewhere, choosing instead to stress cooperation and urgency. That position places the spotlight firmly on the hosts, who must now turn political and administrative assurances into visible progress.
The report says Motsepe believes the challenges can be overcome, but also acknowledged that preparations must accelerate. His message is one of support rather than complacency: CAF intends to assist the organisers while demanding that agreed deadlines are met.
Tanzania appears to have made encouraging progress, with Motsepe reportedly expressing pride in the work being carried out there. Yet a successful tournament depends on all three countries delivering consistently.
The joint-hosting model offers a major opportunity for East African football. It could strengthen regional cooperation, improve sporting infrastructure and give supporters across the area a continental showcase on home soil. It also carries added complexity, with responsibilities shared across borders rather than concentrated in one organising nation.
“Estou muito orgulhoso do bom trabalho que está sendo feito na Tanzânia. Temos nove meses, e parte da minha ênfase é que precisamos acelerar. Estamos aqui para trabalhar juntos, ajudar e dar assistência. Esta é a nossa Copa Africana de Nações”, Motsepe reportedly said.
Confidence will only last if construction milestones, transport plans and venue standards begin to match the ambition. CAF’s willingness to provide assistance may prove crucial, but the hosts will ultimately be judged by what is ready when teams and supporters arrive.
The next major storyline will be whether Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda can maintain momentum and deliver the required facilities before the planned 19 June 2027 kickoff.