CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed his confidence in Kenya’s ability to deliver the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after inspecting the newly constructed 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium in Nairobi.

Motsepe toured the facility on Friday as part of his latest inspection of preparations for the continental showpiece, before addressing the media alongside Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and football officials. CAF has previously identified Talanta Stadium as one of the key facilities forming part of Kenya’s AFCON infrastructure.

The CAF boss used the occasion to dismiss suggestions that the tournament could be moved away from East Africa, saying he had received negative reports about Kenya’s preparations in the past but maintained his confidence in the country and President William Ruto.

“Many told me to take the tournament away from East Africa, but I had confidence in President William Ruto. I’m certainly vindicated. This is marvelous,” Motsepe said.

He insisted there is no plan to relocate AFCON 2027, which will be jointly staged by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Motsepe acknowledged that some areas of preparation still require acceleration, but said CAF would continue working with the host countries to address the outstanding issues.

For Kenya, Talanta has emerged as a major component of the preparations, with the government targeting completion of the stadium in December. Mvurya said test matches would then be staged at the facility ahead of Motsepe’s return in January for another inspection.

CAF has also deployed a permanent technical team at the facility to work alongside the local technical team as Kenya moves towards the final stages of preparation.

Motsepe said the tournament should leave a lasting football legacy beyond the month-long competition, pointing to infrastructure, youth development, women’s football and increased support for domestic football as some of the expected benefits.

He noted that significant investment is already being made in stadiums and related infrastructure, while stressing that CAF’s revenue from competitions must ultimately contribute to football development across its 54 member associations.

The CAF president also called for unity within Kenyan football, saying the country needs togetherness as preparations enter a crucial phase. He said disagreements and divisive issues should not overshadow the national team or the hosting preparations.

“The aim is to unite and bring everybody together,” Motsepe said.

Adding that CAF and FIFA were committed to supporting efforts to strengthen cooperation within Kenyan football. The AFCON, he added, should also provide an opportunity for Kenya to grow its tourism and business sectors. He pointed to the experience of the recent CHAN in East Africa, saying Uganda had reported a significant increase in visitors during the tournament.

Another major issue raised during the press conference was movement of supporters between the three host countries. Motsepe said discussions were underway to facilitate the free movement of fans during the tournament, with airlines from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already exploring proposals to support increased regional travel.

Mvurya confirmed that the three sports ministries had already agreed in principle on a single-entry visa arrangement for AFCON 2027, which would allow supporters entering one of the three countries to move more freely between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, subject to the necessary approvals and operational arrangements.

Motsepe also backed the preservation of East Africa’s football culture inside the stadiums. Asked about the banning of drums during CHAN and concerns over losing traditional fan culture, he said drums and other forms of cultural expression should be embraced provided they comply with safety and football regulations.

He urged FKF and the Local Organizing Committee to engage supporters on what they would want permitted inside the stadiums, insisting that AFCON should provide an experience that reflects African culture and traditions.

With the tournament scheduled for June and July 2027, Kenya now enters a critical phase of preparations. Motsepe said he would return in January, when further progress will be assessed, as CAF continues its close monitoring of the three host nations.