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Johannesburg - With just over five months before South Africa hosts the 2014 African Nations Championship (Chan), local organising committee (LOC) CEO Mvuzo Mbebe said they were lagging behind in promoting the tournament.
One of the major issues before the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), was the lack of exposure, with the public unsure of the ticketing process and transport systems in place.
"From an infrastructure perspective we are ready," said Mbebe on Monday.
"But, from a marketing perspective, there is still a long way to go.
"We are 50% there.
"For operational planning, we are 70% there.
"Now we need to get to the public, that is where we are lagging behind."
It was always a huge challenge to fill stadiums in major African tournaments, Mbebe said of the tournament which was scheduled to run from January 11 through to February 1.
"One of the critical things is that we make sure public transport is available.
"Once we announced the transport system for Afcon 2013, ticket sales shot up.
"We just need to make sure we have proper transport whether it is to Athlone Stadium or to the Cape Town Stadium."
Chan will be held in three cities with groups A and B based in Cape Town.
Eight teams, including Bafana Bafana, would be in the Mother City while group C would be hosted in Bloemfontein and group D in Polokwane.
Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula said Chan would be another opportunity for South Africa to showcase its ability to host events of this nature.
"Football has helped us forget about poverty.
"This is what Chan is about," said Mbalula.
"South Africa is the number one destination of mega events in the world and many people get to know our country through these events."
