Dr. Patrice Motsepe calls for African governments to invest in football infrastructure, citing a lack of adequate facilities as a significant barrier to hosting international events. He argues that such investments can yield economic benefits and enhance football competitiveness on the continent. His remarks coincide with Eswatini hosting World Cup Qualifiers this week.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe, recently re-elected unopposed as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has called upon African governments to invest in football infrastructure. He emphasized that inadequate infrastructure is a significant challenge across the continent, hindering many nations from hosting international matches due to stadiums not meeting FIFA and CAF standards.
This week, Eswatini is set to host World Cup Qualifiers against Cameroon and Mauritius at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa. Dr. Motsepe acknowledged that while African countries face various economic challenges, he asserted that investment in sports could yield financial advantages.
He remarked on conversations with heads of state, who frequently cite budget constraints and prioritize necessary expenditures such as healthcare and education over sports. Dr. Motsepe stated, “One of the things we are doing as African football is to present a case to convince the heads of state to understand that investing in stadiums and infrastructure is enormously beneficial for economic development.”
He noted that enhancing infrastructure would elevate the quality of football across Africa, allowing the continent to compete with the best globally. The CAF president highlighted a dichotomy within African football: those nations competing internationally and others passionate about the sport but lacking governmental support due to fiscal limitations.
In summary, Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s appeal for investment in football infrastructure underscores a pressing need for African nations to enhance their ability to host international sporting events. By integrating sports facilities within the broader economic framework, countries can expect significant benefits that extend beyond football, promoting holistic development and competitiveness on a global scale.
Original Source: new.observer.org.sz
