Botswana: Botswana 2027 Bid Committee Chairman, Ashford Mamelodi acknowledged the Media fraternity, Stakeholders, Sponsors and the public for their unwavering support during the bid process for AFCON 2027. He was speaking at a Press conference held yesterday at Travel Lodge.
Mamelodi reiterated that they have supported them from day one through prayers, messages of encouragement, labour work, extended resources to them and the media for publicity. He added that it has been a roller-coaster ride, and they will still work together after the decision has been made.
Concerning the inspection outcome, he stated that the inspection of facilities was well conducted by correspondences from CAF, and clarifications were made on areas required.
“As Bid-Co, we remain confident that we have done our best, and we still think we had a compelling bid, and we are confident in what we have been able to achieve; we await the results with the same confidence.”
Mamelodi disclosed that the decision to host AFCON 2027 will be released on 27 September 2023. Hence, they have received an invitation through BFA requesting six accredited delegates by CAF to be present in Cairo for the proceedings and the decision thereof.
Botswana Bid-Co will be led by Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Tumiso Rakgare, Chairman of the BNSC, Marumo Marule, Bidco Chairman, BNSC CEO Tuelo Serufho, BFA Vice President 1 Masego Nchingane, BFA Vice President 2 Maokaneng Bontshetse and BFA CEO Mr Mfolo Mfolo who will be sitting on the other side for the decision-makers.
Mamelodi extended gratitude to his team, Botswana Bid-Co 2027. He acknowledged them for the hard work and urged them to continue with the same spirit until the decision is announced, the team is back from Cairo, all reports are submitted, and all the work is done.
Botswana Football Association CEO Mfolo Mfolo stated that Botswana’s Bid for AFCON 2027 journey is aimed at achieving prosperity, one goal at a time, with winning being the only thing hoped to be achieved.
He mentioned that the bid was extremely competitive, and they are confident that what they amassed and put together will bring results. Mfolo highlighted that he hopes Botswana succeed in winning the bid, which will also be an Independence present for the nation.