Motsepe Re-elected Unopposed as CAF President for Second Term
Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) for a second four-year term.
The decision was confirmed at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, extending his leadership of the organisation until 2029.
Motsepe’s re-election comes after a first term widely praised for stabilizing CAF’s finances and boosting its global profile.
Under his leadership, the organization set several new records at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Cote d’Ivoire 2023, attracting a record 1.4 billion viewers worldwide.
Motsepe is credited with inspiring a financial turnaround of the continent’s football’s governing body and restoring the image of African football on the global stage.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns boss, who first took over from Ahmad Ahmad as CAF president in 2021, and will see his second term run until 2029.
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The 63-year-old faced no opposition after the nomination deadline passed in November 2024.
His decision to run again followed requests from Member Association Presidents and key stakeholders.
“The goal remains making African football globally competitive, stabilizing finances, and investing in infrastructure,” he said.
“The goal remains making African football globally competitive, stabilizing finances, and investing in infrastructure,” he said, upon being confirmed as the re-elected president.
Under his leadership, CAF has seen several significant advancements:
• Financial Reforms: Motsepe’s tenure has been characterized by efforts to stabilize CAF’s finances. Notably, he increased the prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by over 40%, raising it to $7 million. Additionally, the prize money for both the men’s and women’s CAF Champions Leagues saw substantial hikes, aiming to incentivize and elevate the competitive standards of African clubs.
• African Super League: One of the landmark projects under Motsepe’s administration was the establishment of the African Super League (ASL). Initially proposed with an operating budget of $100 million and featuring 24 teams, the inaugural edition in 2023 was streamlined to include eight teams. Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa clinched the first-ever ASL title, marking a new era in African club football.
While Motsepe’s tenure has been lauded for its progressive initiatives, it has not been without challenges. The reduction in the number of teams for the inaugural ASL from the proposed 24 to eight drew criticism from some quarters, citing concerns over representation and competitiveness. Additionally, the financial sustainability of such ambitious projects has been a topic of debate among football analysts and stakeholders.
Reforms and Developments. Key areas of focus include:
• Grassroots Development: Investing in youth academies and local leagues to nurture talent from a young age, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled players for both club and national teams.
• Women’s Football: Enhancing support for women’s football across the continent, including increased funding, infrastructure development, and competitive opportunities, to promote gender equality in the sport.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: Collaborating with member associations to improve football infrastructure, such as stadiums and training facilities, to meet international standards and provide better experiences for players and fans alike.
• Financial Transparency: Continuing efforts to ensure financial transparency and accountability within CAF and its affiliated organizations, thereby building trust among stakeholders and attracting potential investors.