Hosting AFCON in Morocco key to Africa’s growth – Patrice Motsepe

All eyes are now on the upcoming edition of Africa’s premier football competition, set for 21 December to 18 January, across six Moroccan cities.

With the FIFA World Cup to follow next year, Motsepe believes interest in African football will reach unprecedented levels.

The CAF boss, a little over 40 days before the tournament, outlined his expectations.

"Let me make a confession. For me as CAF President, I need the best playing facilities, stadiums, hotels, hospitals, and roads. Secondly, I have to develop football in all parts of the continent - that's why I'm rotating. Every zone has to have an opportunity to host."

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Motsepe is backing Morocco to deliver a tournament worthy of Africa’s pride.

"We have to have confidence in our people that they will be able to put on great tournaments, like we saw in Cote d'Ivoire.

He also added that it was clear from the qualification rounds that AFCON will be unpredictable.

Meanwhile, under Motsepe, CAF has seen tremendous success, but the president says it’s also a credit to his staff.

"No leader succeeds on his own. The credit goes to the talented people I've had the pleasure of working with.