AFCON bid could hit dead end
Friday, April 14, 2023 | 1420 Views |
Football decision: CAF set May 23 as the deadline for bid submissions PIC: /ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES
The Botswana and Namibia bid, dubbed BONA 2027, had gained traction in recent weeks with the conclusion of the facilities audit conducted by a South African company.
But in what could throw spanners in the works, CAF issued a notice to its member associations to express their interest in hosting the 2027 AFCON tournament and set a May 23 deadline. This is the date on which all prospective bidders should have submitted all the bid documents. The winning bid will be announced in September.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...