By Amaechi Agbo

President of the Confederation of Africa Football, Patrice Motsepe has disclosed that the body is ready for the hosting of the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Cameroon next year, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

Mr Motsepe who stated this while on inspection tour of key stadiums that will host the opening and closing matches over the weekend expressed optimism on the timeline and commended the Cameroonian government and sports authorities for building such edifices in the continent.

A CAF delegation led by the Preaidents
and the General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba visited the stadium that will host the opening match and final of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.

The delegation was joined by Cameroon Sports Minister Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi and FECAFOOT President, Seidou Mbombo Njoya.

The CAF President and General Secretary were appraised on the progress made at Olembe Stadium and some of the facilities in Yaoundé that will be part of hosting the event in January/February next year.

Dr Motsepe is also the Chairman of the Africa Cup of Nations CAF Organising Committee.

CAF President said: “I’m very satisfied with the briefing I got and what I saw. I saw the Olembe Stadium and it is world class; we should all be proud as people of Cameroon and as Africans. We must applaud Cameroon building such infrastructure.

In partnership with the Government, the Minister of Sport, LOC, FECAFOOT President and CAF administration under Veron (Mosengo-Omba), I’m certain that in January next year, the rest of the world will be impressed. I’m very satisfied with what I have seen. We are on track”

Dr Motsepe continued: “The quality of football that will be played here will once again show the world that Africa has the quality to one day win the FIFA World Cup – that is the ultimate goal. The AFCON is special and I think it is important for us to set the tone in Cameroon.”

Mosengo-Omba also heaped praise on Olembe Stadium: “The infrastructure and architecture of the stadium is world class and can be compared to many other famous stadiums globally. In Cameroon, we have six beautiful match venues. Our job now is to ensure that we are ready with everything else.”

The 2021 AFCON originally scheduled to hold in 2021 was shifted by 24 months following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the world in 2019

The 33rd edition of the biennial football fiesta that will parade the Africa bests will hold from 9th January to 6th February, 2022.

Algeria is the defending champions after the beat Senegal 1-0 to win the last edition in Egypt two years ago.