AFCON 2021: Patrice Motsepe Debunks Rumours Of AFCON Postponment

Far from Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, Davido’s single named ‘Assurance’, Dr. Patrice Motsepe has, in his own way, put a stop to rumours of the AFCON being cancelled or postponed.

The 59 year old South African business mogul – cum CAF president, was in Cameroon on Monday, December 20, in what many described a ‘red alarm’ visit.

The buzzer wasn’t hit for nothing. 24 hours before,
on Sunday, a CAF executive committee meeting resolved to go ahead with the 24-team event only if Motsepe was able to secure guarantees from Cameroon over its readiness.

Some members reportedly called for the tournament to be postponed, but the majority voted for Motsepe to make an emergency trip to engage with the Cameroon government.

However, upon arrival, the EX Sundowns president voiced that the AFCON is on, and there’s no chance of an altercation.

‘I was honored to welcome the Minister in Cairo for the Extra ordinary General Assembly of the 54 presidents of CAF,’ Motsepe recounted.

He then went on: ‘My message when we closed was, we will all meet in a few weeks time in Cameroon.

‘This AFCON is a tournament for the people of Cameroon and Africa’.

Having opined on his stands, Motsepe applauded the work done thus far, as per preparations.

‘There’s a huge commitment and focus to make sure that some issues put in place, there’s huge progress in them.

My message to the world is that we are going to host in collaboration with the Government of Cameroon….. We are ready to show the world the best of African Football and hospitality.’

When quizzed by the reporter on the date which the tourney will kick-start, Motsepe reiterated that January 9th remains the holy grail.

‘I am here from January 7. We need to have confidence in our people. We need to stop skeptical, negative views of our people.

‘I will be here as from January 7, and I am bringing my wife and children along,’ ended Motsepe.

With this new found booster, the AFCON is set to begin come January 9, with the best of African football Stars – rocking pitches across Cameroon.