Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as Caf president for a second term. His re-election was confirmed at the extraordinary general assembly in Cairo. Notably, football legend Samuel Eto’o was elected to Caf’s executive committee amid progress in African football management, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and governance.
Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as the President of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) for a second term. The South African, who has held the position since 2021, announced his intention to stand again in October 2024. His re-election was confirmed during the Caf extraordinary general assembly in Cairo, with significant attendance including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Motsepe, a prominent mining magnate and owner of the South African football club Mamelodi Sundowns, has emphasized his desire to continue the positive advancements made during his first term. The re-election was a routine formality; however, elections for Caf’s executive committee saw Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o securing a position.
Motsepe’s second term was anticipated, having been the first and only contender for office. The absence of challengers potentially reflects a solid endorsement of his leadership during a turbulent period in African football. His tenure commenced in 2021 following the ban of former Caf president Ahmad from Madagascar. Under Motsepe, Caf has witnessed significant financial growth, with a remarkable profit of $72 million from the last Africa Cup of Nations, a substantial increase from prior events.
Expressing his determination to further develop African football, Motsepe indicated that while progress has been made, considerable work remains. He pointed to the state of national stadiums as a primary concern, noting that while the number of countries unable to host matches decreased from 36 to 12, this still presents a considerable challenge. “At Caf and Fifa, it is our job to continue supporting the development of sports infrastructure,” he stated.
Samuel Eto’o’s election to Caf’s executive committee was another highlight of the assembly. Elected unopposed as the sole candidate from Central Africa, Eto’o has experienced a tumultuous period in his presidency of the Cameroon Football Federation due to several controversies, including a suspension from Fifa and Caf over ethical breaches. However, following an appeal, his ban and a fine were lifted.
In addition to Eto’o, the assembly appointed six African representatives for the FIFA Council. Hany Abo Rida from Egypt and Fouzi Lekjaa from Morocco were re-elected, while newcomers included Kanizat Ibrahim, Hamidou Djibrilla Hima, Ahmed Yahya, and Souleymane Waberi. On Caf’s executive committee, Motsepe will also work with returning members and newly elected individuals from various nations.
Overall, the assembly signifies a continued commitment to advancing African football under the leadership of Motsepe and an evolving executive committee.
Patrice Motsepe’s unopposed re-election as Caf president marks a significant milestone in African football governance. His leadership has been associated with financial growth and stability during a notable transitional period for Caf. Meanwhile, the election of Samuel Eto’o and other executive members portrays a proactive approach to addressing the development framework necessary for African football. Together, both leaders aim to improve the continent’s sports infrastructure and fulfillment of footballing potential.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
