A historic first with exclusive AFCON team base camps in vibrant Morocco

For the first time in AFCON’s history, each team will reside in its own exclusive camp throughout the tournament in Morocco, allowing them to focus on their performance without the disruption of constant travel.

This landmark will transform the experience of the 24 teams who will benefit from dedicated Team Base Camps.

South Africa’s national squad, Bafana Bafana, will take advantage of this unprecedented arrangement by staying at the luxurious Four Seasons hotel in Marrakech. Nestled in a verdant 40-acre expanse, the hotel is known as “a garden sanctuary in the heart of the red city.”

It is strategically located between the ancient medina and the bustling, cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, offering players a tranquil yet vibrant environment to prepare for their matches.

The dedicated facilities assigned to each team include high-performance training pitches, modern gyms, medical and recovery rooms, and controlled access to ensure comfort and privacy. This initiative aims to create a stable, consistent environment for athletes and their technical staff, ultimately enabling them to maximise their performance on the pitch.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) explained that this innovative system will minimise fatigue, ease logistical pressures, and foster fairness during the tournament. It encourages teams to forge stronger connections with their temporary cities, facilitating engagement with local supporters and communities while they immerse themselves in a familiar environment.

However, Bafana Bafana will face travel challenges as they travel from Marrakech to Agadir for their second Group B match against Egypt.

The two cities are three hours apart, creating an interesting dynamic for South Africa, which will also return to Marrakech for its final group game against Zimbabwe on December 29, following its opening match against Angola on December 21.

Despite the travel, maintaining a stable base camp will enhance their preparation and performance.

Morocco’s investment in top-tier organisational strategies is an ambitious step towards co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain.

The six host cities chosen for this international spectacle—Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fès, and Tangier—have been selected not only for their stadiums but also for their robust infrastructure, which will further spotlight Morocco’s capacity to host major sporting events.

CAF and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have officially set December 16 as the opening date for team camps. The announcement outlines the logistical framework that all participating teams must adhere to in preparation for one of Africa’s premier football tournaments.

In a formal statement, they clarified that any national team arriving in Morocco before the official camp opening date will be responsible for their own accommodation and logistical arrangements. This rule is particularly relevant for teams like Uganda, which have opted to arrive early.

This strategic decision aims to ensure that all teams can start their training and acclimatisation together, creating a level playing field as they vie for continental glory.