African football’s development is facing a major hurdle, according to Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe. Speaking during the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Ethiopia, Motsepe expressed his serious concerns over the growing issue of inadequate football infrastructure across the continent. The lack of proper stadiums has, according to Motsepe, severely compromised the growth of football in Africa, especially as more than 40% of CAF’s member nations currently do not have a CAF-approved stadium. This crisis not only affects domestic football but also prevents many African countries from hosting international matches within their own borders.
Motsepe’s speech addressed the challenges faced by 22 out of the 54 CAF member nations, which currently lack up-to-standard stadiums. Without the necessary infrastructure, countries are forced to play their home matches in neutral countries. Motsepe emphasized how this significantly impacts the development of football within the affected nations, as hosting matches outside their borders disrupts the connection with local fans, sponsors, and stakeholders.
The Growing Infrastructure Crisis in African Football
In recent years, the issue of football stadiums failing to meet CAF standards has become more prevalent, and the situation is getting worse. In 2023, several countries were already flagged for not having stadiums that complied with international standards, and the problem has escalated. As of 2024, approximately 22 CAF member nations do not have a CAF-approved stadium to host international competitions.
Motsepe raised the alarm during his address at the assembly, saying, “One of the problems we have is that there are too many countries in Africa that have to play their football outside their country. You cannot develop football in your country if you have to host your games outside.”
Motsepe’s statement highlighted a painful reality that affects not only the teams but also the fans, as they lose the opportunity to support their national sides in home environments. Hosting matches outside their borders dilutes the home advantage, diminishes fan engagement, and negatively impacts national pride.
The AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Expose the Problem
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers shone a spotlight on this stadium crisis. Countries such as Kenya and Namibia had no choice but to play their home matches on foreign soil because they lacked stadiums that met CAF’s stringent requirements. In one notable example, Kenya, which is part of Group J alongside Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon, was forced to host its “home” matches in a neutral venue because their stadiums were deemed unfit for international competition.
Cameroon was the only country in that group with a CAF-approved stadium, putting nations like Kenya and Namibia at a significant disadvantage. The inability to host these critical games in their own countries creates logistical challenges and emotional detachment for players and fans alike.
Motsepe explained how this challenge significantly hinders the overall development of football in these countries. He stated, “You cannot develop football if your team is unable to play at home. It’s not just about the match, it’s about the infrastructure, the support, and the local engagement that helps grow the sport.”
CAF’s Plan to Rectify the Stadium Crisis
In response to this growing problem, Motsepe assured attendees that CAF is taking proactive steps to rectify the situation. The organization plans to work with all 54 member nations to ensure that every country has at least one fully approved stadium that meets both CAF and FIFA standards. The aim is to uplift African football and create a more level playing field for all countries, regardless of their economic situation.
Motsepe revealed that CAF will collaborate with governments and private sector stakeholders to speed up the development of proper football facilities across the continent. “So there is a huge amount of focus to ensure that every one of the 54 nations and member associations has at least one stadium that meets CAF/FIFA standards,” Motsepe stated.
This commitment will involve long-term planning and investment in infrastructure, but Motsepe expressed confidence that with the right partnerships and strategies, the continent can address this issue. CAF also plans to enforce strict timelines for countries that are currently undergoing stadium renovations or construction, ensuring that they meet the standards as soon as possible.
Kenya Leads the Way in Stadium Development
Among the nations working to address this issue is Kenya, which is currently undergoing significant renovations at its two largest stadiums, the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani and the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. These renovations are intended to ensure that both facilities meet CAF and FIFA standards by the end of 2024.
Additionally, the country has embarked on the construction of a new state-of-the-art stadium known as Talanta City, which is set to be completed by December 2025. This new facility will be a major asset for Kenya’s football infrastructure and is expected to be one of the leading stadiums in East Africa. Once completed, it will further boost Kenya’s chances of hosting major football tournaments, including AFCON.
Motsepe praised countries like Kenya for their commitment to developing world-class football facilities. He urged other nations to follow suit and speed up their stadium development projects to ensure that African football can grow on the global stage.
ALSO READ:
- CAF president Dr.Patrice Motsepe Unveils Five Game-Changing Initiatives to Shape African Football’s Future
- FKFPL Round-Up: KCB and Gor Mahia Battle to a Goalless Draw as AFC Leopards Suffer Shock 1-0 Defeat to Murang’a Seal
Why Proper Stadium Infrastructure Is Crucial for Football Development
Football is more than just a game—it is a vital part of national identity for many African countries. The sport serves as a unifying force, bringing together communities and fostering a sense of pride. However, without proper infrastructure, nations cannot fully capitalize on the social and economic benefits that football offers.
The lack of CAF-approved stadiums in many African countries has several negative implications:
- Home Advantage Loss: Playing at home gives teams a natural advantage with local fan support. Hosting matches outside the country deprives teams of this edge.
- Decreased Fan Engagement: Fans are less likely to engage with the national team if they cannot watch them play at home.
- Missed Economic Opportunities: Football matches bring significant economic benefits through tourism, sponsorship, and local business support. Without proper stadiums, countries miss out on these opportunities.
- Stunted Football Development: Developing young talent requires facilities that meet international standards. Without proper infrastructure, young players lack the resources to train and grow.
