By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has voiced his frustration over the issue of countries needing to play their home matches abroad due to insufficient stadium facilities.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe said this during a high-profile press briefing on Monday, September 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. The event highlighted a critical issue that has been plaguing African football for years.
Dr. Motsepe did not mince his words as he addressed the ongoing problem, singling out Ghana and other unnamed nations. “Nothing frustrates me more than a country that has to play home matches away from home,” he stated emphatically. This comment underscores the CAF President’s discontent with the persistent lack of proper football infrastructure in several African nations.
The issue of substandard stadiums has forced many national teams to host their supposed “home” matches in foreign countries, depriving local fans of the opportunity to support their teams in person. This not only affects the morale of the players but also impacts the overall growth and popularity of the sport in these regions. Dr. Motsepe’s remarks have thus amplified the urgent need for improvements.
During his address, Dr. Motsepe called for immediate action and collaboration among national football associations, governments, and private sectors to upgrade and maintain football facilities. He emphasized that adequate infrastructure is vital for the development of the sport and the nurturing of local talent. His passionate plea aims to ignite a sense of responsibility and urgency among the stakeholders.
The press briefing has garnered significant attention, raising awareness about the infrastructural challenges faced by African football. It remains to be seen how countries like Ghana will respond to this stern admonishment from the CAF President.
The hope is that this public criticism will act as a catalyst for change, ensuring that no country has to face the embarrassment and inconvenience of playing their home games abroad.
