The President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF Patrice Motsepe has expressed satisfaction with the level of works at the Olembe Stadium in Cameoon, expected to host the opening and closing matches of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON come January 2022.
Dr Patrice Motsepe was speaking Friday September 17 after a visit at the football infrastructure that is at the centre of a heated debate in the country due to the dragging of construction works supposed to have been completed by now.
“I’m a proud African, proud of what I saw at Olembe. Cameron is building here at Olembe one of the most beautiful stadium in the world which will be the pride of Africa…” The CAF boss said as he went round the infrastructure accompanied by his Secretary General, Veron Mosengo Omba, Sports and Physical Education Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi and Fecafoot’s interim boss, Seidou Mbombo Njoya.
Before his guided tour at the Olembe stadium, The CAF boss and his Secretary General accompanied by Fecafoot President were received by the Prime Minister Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute at the Star building instead of the Head of State like it was stated in a CAF letter addressed to Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. Nothing official filtered as to why the change of agenda.
That notwithstanding, Patrice Motsepe exchanged with the Prime Minister and described the partnership between Cameroon and CAF as fruitful, indicating he is confident the AFCON will be a moment of pride for Cameroon and the World.
“We had wonderful discussions with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Sports and the management of soccer in Cameroon. We are making good progress because our ambitions and expectations are very high. These ongoing discussions are important to monitor progress.” He said in a CAF communique published at the end of his visit Friday.
He revealed that a CAF team led by the Secretary General, Veron Mosengo Omba based in Cameroon works hand in hand with the local organizing committee, the government and Fecafoot to ensure all is set for the continental jamboree come January 2022.
“I’m convinced we are making good progress and I’m impressed with what I have seen. I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his commitment to ensuring that we achieve our goals.”
Dr Patrice Motsepe is expected in Cameroon in the month of November, when “works at the Olembe stadium must have been completed” for evaluation.
Ariane Foguem
