COSAFA Backs Motsepe For Second Term As CAF President

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has backed the South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe for the second term as President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Motsepe, who took over the reins of African football in March 2021, has overseen a period of significant transformation for CAF. His tenure has been marked by increased sponsorship, higher prize money, and efforts to restore the organization’s reputation, which had been tarnished under his predecessor, Ahmad Ahmad.

COSAFA’s backing comes as a major boost for Motsepe, who has been credited with turning around the fortunes of CAF. The organization praised his leadership in restoring the prestige of CAF competitions and enhancing the integrity of African football.

“The Executive Committee of COSAFA deliberated on various matters, amongst which included the upcoming CAF Elections in 2025,” said COSAFA in a statement.  

“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.  

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

The path for billionaire Motsepe to become the first South African to run Caf was entirely cleared after three of his rivals – Jacques Anouma, Augustin Senghor and Ahmed Yahya – withdrew their candidacies.

While the election is scheduled for next year, the overwhelming support for Motsepe suggests a smooth path to re-election.

Meanwhile, the African football community is mourning the loss of former CAF President Issa Hayatou, who passed away on Thursday. Hayatou led CAF from 1988 to 2017.