Does Patrice Motsepe Deserve to Be Re-elected as CAF President for Second Term?

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Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second four-year term during the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held in Cairo, Egypt, today.

Motsepe, a South African mining magnate and owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, first assumed the CAF presidency in 2021. His re-election reflects the confidence and trust placed in his leadership by CAF’s member associations.

Achievements During First Term

During his initial tenure, Motsepe implemented significant reforms aimed at enhancing African football’s global competitiveness:

Financial Stability: Inherited a deficit of approximately $40-50 million, which was further burdened by a $50 million settlement to French media company Lagardère. Under his leadership, CAF reduced its deficit to just under $10 million in the 2022-23 financial year.

Revenue Growth: The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) generated a profit of $72 million, a figure 18 times greater than the previous edition in 2022. This growth is attributed to improved relations with sponsors and broadcasters.

Infrastructure Development: Motsepe emphasized the importance of developing sports infrastructure across Africa. In 2021, 36 countries were unable to host matches due to inadequate facilities; this number has since decreased to 12.

Women’s Football: Under his guidance, CAF has increased support for women’s football, with Nigeria, Zambia, Morocco, and South Africa qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. CAF provided financial and technical assistance to these nations.

Commitment to Governance and Ethics

Motsepe has been a staunch advocate for good governance and ethical practices within CAF:

Zero Tolerance for Corruption: He emphasized that strict adherence to governance, ethics, and compliance benefits all member associations and sets a standard beyond football.

Statutory Reforms: CAF statutes are undergoing amendments to reflect commitments to good governance, ethics, accountability, and transparency, aligning with international best practices.

Recognition and Honors

Motsepe’s contributions have been acknowledged beyond CAF:

Commander of the National Order: In September 2024, he received Côte d’Ivoire’s highest honor, recognizing his significant contributions to African football and his leadership in advancing the Africa Cup of Nations.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, Motsepe plans to build on the progress made:

African Super League: The inaugural African Super League is set to kick off on October 21, 2023, featuring eight top-ranked African clubs from eight countries, aiming to elevate club football standards on the continent.

Youth Development: The African Schools Football Championship finals in April 2023 saw participation from over 400,000 boys and girls from 41 countries. The upcoming 2023-2024 championship is expected to see increased participation, emphasizing CAF’s commitment to grassroots development.

Executive Committee Elections

The General Assembly also saw the election of new members to the CAF Executive Committee:

Samuel Eto’o: The four-time African Footballer of the Year and current president of the Cameroon Football Federation was elected unopposed as a representative for the central African region.

Other Members: Mustapha Ishola Raji (Liberia), Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Democratic Republic of Congo), Wallace Karia (Tanzania), Kurt Simeon-Okraku (Ghana), and Sadi Walid (Algeria) were elected unopposed to the committee.

Statements from Patrice Motsepe

Upon his re-election, Motsepe expressed gratitude and reiterated his commitment to African football:

> “I am immensely grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me. Our collective efforts have yielded significant progress, but there is still much work to be done. Together, we will continue to elevate African football to unprecedented heights.”

Motsepe also highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration among member associations:

> “The strength of African football lies in our unity. By working together, we can overcome challenges and achieve our shared vision for the continent’s footballing future.”

Patrice Motsepe’s re-election marks a continued era of reform and development for African football. His leadership has already brought about substantial positive changes, and his vision for the future promises further advancements in governance, infrastructure, and global competitiveness.

CAF and its member associations look forward to building on the foundations laid during Motsepe’s first term, striving towards a brighter and more prosperous future for African football.