CAF president Patrice Motsepe receives major endorsement in bid for second term

CAF President Patrice Motsepe delivering his speech during CAF's 45th General Assembly | Photo Credit: CAF Media

CAF president Patrice Motsepe receives major endorsement in bid for second term

Joel Omotto 13:34 - 09.08.2024

The South African billionaire has not officially declared his interest in running for a second term but he has been backend by a key region.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has received the backing of his home region in his bid for a second term during next year's elections.

The COSAFA region has unanimously endorsed Motsepe as their preferred candidate in the 2025 polls, saying the South African billionaire has performed admirably in his first term.

"Given the tremendous achievements made in turning around the fortunes of CAF, restoring the prestige of CAF competitions and enhancing the integrity of CAF, the Executive Committee of COSAFA unanimously supports the nomination of Dr Patrice Motsepe for a second term of office," COSAFA said in a statement.

"It was henceforth agreed that the endorsement of Dr Motsepe should be tabled at the next meeting of the COSAFA General Assembly for ratification."

Motsepe has not officially declared his interest in running for a second term but the endorsement suggests it's a foregone conclusion.

It is not yet known who else will run against him but he looks destined for an easy win given FIFA president Gianni Infantino is one of his key backers.

Motsepe assumed office in March 2021 after former CAF president Ahmed Ahmed was hounded out due to corruption allegations.

He has overseen some changes on the continent such as the increase in prize money in major competitions like Africa Cup of Nations and Champions League plus the launch of the lucrative African Football League.

There has also been increased rewards in women's competitions and the continent witnessed the most successful AFCON in history during the 2023 tournament in the Ivory Coast.

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