A bid destined to suffer embarrassing collapse :: Mmegi Online

When Botswana and Namibia announced their intentions to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations showpiece, there was overwhelming optimism and the move was hailed as a radical step towards sports and infrastructure development. But today, the mood has significantly changed after Namibia left Botswana in the lurch. But was the bid destined to fail from the onset, ponders Mmegi Staffer, CHAKALISA DUBE

On Wednesday, Namibia announced its shock withdrawal from the joint bid which became known as BONA 2027. The neighbouring country cited budgetary constraints and competing priorities.

Plans to bid for the 2017 AFCON received collective support from members of the public and various stakeholders. It was even widely predicted that Botswana and Namibia stood a good chance of winning the rights to host the 2027 tournament as CAF has been leaning more towards joint bids in recent years.

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