While it expects some bumps along the way, the Africa Cup of Nations local organising committee (Afcon LOC) has reiterated its stance that it is ready to host the tournament which kicks off tomorrow. “When we started this journey, we said we would try our best to make the continent proud, make the Confederation of African Football (Caf) proud, and ensure spectators get a good experience,” LOC chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe said today. “We have tried our best, and there will no doubt be glitches along the way and challenges in certain areas, but we believe we are ready.” Hicham El Amrani, the Caf general secretary, confirmed the target of half-a-million ticket sales had been reached. More than 560,000, of a capacity 850,000, had been sold, which was a record for the continental competition. “I do not feel it’s appropriate to compare the ticket sales of a tournament of this size to the (2010) World Cup,” El Amrani said. “Ticket sales are not low. In the history of Afcon, we have never filled the stadiums to this level at this stage.”
The continental body was pleased with preparations, according to El Amrani, and was satisfied with efforts made by the LOC. “All teams have arrived. There were rumours that some teams would not show up, but they are here. “With security there are absolutely no worries, and with other organisational matters we are very satisfied.” The tournament starts tomorrow with the opening match between South Africa and Cape Verde Islands at the National Stadium in Soweto. A total of 32 matches will be played in five host cities — Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and Rustenburg — with 16 teams taking part in the three-week showpiece.
– By
