CAF President Patrice Motsepe laments inadequate stadiums, calls for improved facilities

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has voiced his frustration over national teams being forced to play home matches outside their own countries due to substandard facilities.

His comments come in the wake of CAF's recent decision to ban Ghana from using the Baba Yara Stadium, the only approved venue for international matches, citing the poor condition of the pitch.

This ruling leaves Ghana without a suitable home venue, placing them among several nations that must seek alternative locations abroad for crucial fixtures.

Motsepe expressed his discontent during a CAF meeting held in Kenya, where Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku was present.

At a press briefing in Nairobi, Motsepe highlighted the critical role of home matches for the development of football.

"Nothing frustrates me more than a national team or club side having to play home matches outside," he stated.

He stressed the significance of playing in front of home fans, adding, "You can’t grow football if the national teams or club sides aren’t playing in front of their home fans."

Motsepe reiterated CAF's commitment to working with countries to ensure they have at least one suitable stadium to host international fixtures.

"Our conversations in every country are to make sure there is at least one stadium capable of hosting a CAF category C game," he emphasized.

As a result of the ban, Ghana will face Sudan in a crucial AFCON qualifying doubleheader in October, with Togo or Ivory Coast being considered as potential venues for their "home" match.

Patrice Motsepe, CAF President:
"Nothing frustrates me more than a country that has to play home matches away from home."pic.twitter.com/kv4rty1ZV3
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith)

September 16, 2024