The Acting General Secretary of the Confédération Africaine de Football, Samson Adamu, has expressed strong confidence in the successful delivery of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 following the conclusion of the PAMOJA 27 Workshop kick-off meeting in Kampala.
Speaking at the end of the two-day engagement, Adamu commended the Government of Uganda and FUFA for hosting the workshop and providing a conducive environment for strategic discussions.
‘I would like to extend a very warm appreciation to the Government and the people of Uganda for hosting us here and to President Magogo Moses Hassim as well for his warm reception,’ he said.
Adamu noted that CAF assembled a strong delegation alongside key stakeholders from the three host nations of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, including Ministers of Sports, Local Organising Committee leaders and football federation presidents, to assess and align on preparations for the continental showpiece.
‘We came on a two-day working visit to dig down into the preparation of the AFCON 2027. Our objective for coming here is to make sure that we align on the priorities, on the framework, on the timeline, and on the execution of the AFCON PAMOJA 2027,’ he explained.
Reflecting on the significance of the tournament, Adamu described the 2027 edition as unique, given its joint hosting arrangement, which presents an opportunity to showcase the East African region on a global stage.
‘It’s three countries that are hosting this competition. It presents a very unique opportunity for us to be able to show AFCON in a completely different light and three really amazing countries, unique in their own sense,’ he said.
He added that the tournament will not only highlight regional unity but also position East Africa as a key destination for international football.
‘It’s a regional competition to show East Africa in the best light. Not only a regional competition but it’s one that will show Africa what the region has to offer to the world,’ Adamu emphasised.
Adamu further revealed that extensive closed-door meetings enabled CAF and the host nations to reach consensus on critical operational areas, including timelines, execution strategies and key deliverables.
‘We had a very closed-door meeting where we aligned on all the priorities, all the execution, the work that needs to be done and we are all aligned on that,’ he stated.
He highlighted that both CAF departments and Local Organising Committees engaged in detailed sessions to address operational requirements and ensure readiness across all fronts.
‘The operational teams went into all the nitty-gritties of the operations and aligned on the timelines. After two days of work, we are in a very comfortable place,’ Adamu added.
Adamu concluded by reaffirming CAF’s confidence in the level of commitment demonstrated by the three host governments and football leadership, noting that all stakeholders are fully aligned towards delivering a memorable tournament.
‘We are very confident of what we can deliver and it’s going to be a very successful competition,’ he said.
