Dr. Patrice Motsepe urges African nations, particularly Eswatini, to invest in football infrastructure, noting that many countries cannot host international matches due to inadequate facilities. He believes such investments can yield significant economic benefits, despite competing priorities for limited government resources.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe, recently re-elected unopposed as the CAF president, has emphasized the urgent need for African nations, particularly Eswatini, to invest in football infrastructure. He highlighted that many countries lack adequate facilities to host international matches due to inadequate stadium standards as outlined by FIFA and CAF. Following this, Eswatini is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Cameroon and Mauritius at the Mbombela Stadium, South Africa.
Motsepe acknowledged the economic challenges faced by many African states, where prioritization of funds often leans more towards essential services such as hospitals and education rather than sports infrastructure. He stated, “One of the things we are doing as African football is to present a case and convince the heads of state to understand that investing in stadiums, spending money on football development and football infrastructure is enormously beneficial for the economic development of Africa.”
Furthermore, he stressed that enhancing infrastructure would not only improve the quality of the game but also elevate Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage. Motsepe also pointed out that in Africa, there exists a divide where some nations compete internationally, while others, despite having a passion for football, struggle due to minimal governmental support and limited budgets.
In conclusion, Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s appeal for investment in football infrastructure underlines the necessity for African governments, including Eswatini, to prioritize sports development. He argues that improved facilities would not only enrich the football ecosystem but also stimulate economic growth. Despite the current financial constraints faced by these nations, Motsepe remains optimistic about the potential benefits of investing in sports, which may ultimately enhance their international standing.
Original Source: new.observer.org.sz
