Time to focus on delivery, not doubt

DAR ES SALAAM: THE drums are already beating for AFCON 2027. Beyond the kidedea chants and stadium excitement, there have been whispers suggesting the tournament could leave East Africa.

That is why the message from Gerson Msigwa in Morogoro this week mattered. His assurance was clear: AFCON is coming to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Now is the time to put doubts aside and focus on the work ahead. Preparations are going well and the public should not waste energy on rumours designed to create fear.

For a country that has waited decades to host a tournament of this magnitude, doubt is the last thing we need.

This will be the first time the Africa Cup of Nations is jointly hosted by three countries. That alone makes AFCON 2027 historic. It also makes it complicated.

Three governments, three sets of stadiums, three immigration systems, three transport networks. When the logistics are that big, it is natural for critics to ask questions. Are the stadiums ready? Will the roads cope?

Can we handle the fans? Those are fair questions. But turning questions into panic helps no one. What Msigwa was really asking Tanzanians to do is to have confidence in the work already underway.

The government has been clear that preparations are continuing. We have seen the upgrades at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the identification of training venues, the coordination meetings with CAF and the joint planning with Nairobi and Kampala.

CAF officials have been in the region, inspecting facilities and their feedback so far has been encouraging.

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That does not mean we can relax. It means we should focus on finishing the job instead of listening to speculation. There is also a bigger picture here.

Hosting AFCON is not just about 90 minutes on the pitch. It is about hotels in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar and areas near host cities filling up. It is about boda riders and taxi drivers earning more.

It is about artisans selling kitenge and carvings to visitors and about Air Tanzania and local airlines adding routes.

It is about a young boy in Morogoro watching Senegal play Nigeria and deciding he wants to wear the Taifa Stars jersey one day.

If we allow fear to dominate the conversation now, we risk undermining the very excitement that will make the tournament a success.

The joint hosting model itself is an opportunity. Kenya brings its experience with big events, Uganda brings its football culture and Tanzania brings its tourism magnet.

Together we can offer fans a package no single country could: watch a match in Kampala on Saturday, be on safari in Serengeti on Monday and finish the week on the beaches of Zanzibar.

That is the pitch we should be making to Africa and the world, not allowing rumours to stand in our way to AFCON 2027.

Msigwa’s assurance is therefore important both politically and practically. Politically, it tells CAF and the rest of Africa that Tanzania is committed.

Practically, it tells citizens to get behind the process instead of waiting to be convinced at the last minute.

So far, the government has demonstrated transparency in timelines, budgets and in addressing challenges. As we count down to 2027, what we need most is unity of purpose.

The stadiums, the roads, the fan zones and the welcome we give our visitors will all reflect the spirit of one nation. Let us take the assurance from Government seriously, set aside rumours and work together.

When AFCON kicks off here in East Africa, may it be remembered not just for football, but as the moment Tanzania welcomed Africa with pride.

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