BFA keeps fingers crossed as CAF meets
Mqondisi Dube | Friday March 27, 2026 11:36
The hosting of the 2028 AFCON finals is expected to be under discussion, as the continent's mother body meets at a time when the fallout from this year's final involving Senegal and Morocco is escalating.
It is the first time CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, and his committee have met since a contentious decision to award the AFCON trophy to Morocco, stripping Senegal of the title.
The West Africans have since escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Zurich, setting the stage for a potentially drawn-out matter.
Whilst the controversial decision could be a major discussion point, the decision to award hosting rights for the 2028 finals is expected to make the agenda. The BFA submitted a written expression of interest to co-host the tournament with South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. In a letter to CAF on February 1, 2026, BFA assured the governing body that there is existing infrastructure with some facilities expected to be upgraded if the bid is successful.
'Botswana's participation in the proposed Southern Africa co-hosting bid is underpinned by existing infrastructure, planned upgrades and strong government commitment, in line with CAF hosting requirements,' the correspondence reads.
The proposed stadiums for hosting are the National Stadium, Lobatse Sports Complex, and the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. In the unsuccessful 2027 bid, Botswana had proposed building new stadiums in Gabane, Maun, and Kasane, whilst upgrading the three existing facilities.
BFA said it will secure the Botswana government's guarantee, in line with CAF's hosting requirements.
'The Government of the Republic of Botswana has consistently supported sport development and the hosting of international events. The BFA commits to securing all required government guarantees relating to infrastructure delivery and operational support; security, health, immigration and customs facilitation and inter-ministerial coordination and adherence to CAF timelines,' the BFA said.
Further, the BFA said it was committed to working closely with CAF, the co-hosting members and their respective governments to deliver 'a well-organised, financially responsive, and sustainable AFCON 2028 tournament'.
Other bids are from Ethiopia and Morocco. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host the 2027 edition, before the 2028 tournament becomes the first since 2012 to be held during an even-numbered year. After 2028, the AFCON will be held every four years, replacing the existing biennial arrangement.