2013 Afcon will be a celebration

The continental football governing body will kick off the staging of the Afcon in odd years from next year and has promised a tournament that will remain in the minds of Africans.The Secretary General of Caf, Hicham El Amrani, has given the assurance that the next Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for South Africa in 2013 will be an extraordinary event, and certainly one to remember.He said apart from South Africa being a tourist attraction, the continental football governing body is putting in place measures that will enable both women and children as well as non-Africans to enjoy the tournament.“We have established a roadmap with the LOC whereby ticketing sales will be divided into four different phases, aimed at the various audiences,” the chief Caf scribe told Cafonline. “We are looking as well at providing incentives and opportunities to children to come with their parents to matches. The ticketing process will start in July this year.”“It was one of the priorities we set when we met in South Africa, to focus specifically on ticketing programs and allow African football fans to celebrate this competition, whether from South Africa or from abroad.“South Africa presents an ideal environment for that since it represents a great tourist destination offering possibilities for people to come and visit as well as watch some games during the tournament,” the Moroccan added.He hinted that about five venues may be used for the 29th edition of the continental showpiece, which will kick start the staging of the Afcon in odd years.Amrani said, “So far we believe five venues will be selected, not more, since too many venues will also present logistical and financial constraints. So we are looking forward to a confirmation from the LOC on that aspect."It is worth mentioning that South Africa will also be hosting the Chan in 2014, another 16 team tournament, so venues not selected for the Afcon 2013 will have the opportunity to be considered as well.”