Africa's first black billionaire, Patrice Motsepe, has been re-elected unopposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during the organization's congress in Cairo on Wednesday. This marks Motsepe's second four-year term as CAF president, a position he has held since 2021.
Motsepe's re-election is seen as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership, which has brought significant financial progress to CAF since he took over in 2021. At the time, CAF was facing a crisis, and Motsepe's initial election was strongly backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Under Motsepe's leadership, CAF has made notable strides in terms of financial growth. The organization recorded a $72 million (£55.5m) profit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a significant increase from the revenue generated from the 2022 edition. Additionally, CAF has increased prize money across its competitions, including a 40% raise in the AFCON winner's purse to $7 million, as well as boosts to the prize money for both the men's and women's CAF Champions League.
In addition to Motsepe's re-election, four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto'o secured a seat on CAF's executive committee, further solidifying his role in shaping African football governance. Eto'o's appointment is expected to bring valuable insights and expertise to the committee, as CAF continues its push for financial growth and competitive improvement.
Motsepe, whose family trust owns South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, remains a key figure in the development of football on the continent. His re-election is likely to have a significant impact on the future of African football, as CAF continues to navigate the complexities of football governance and development.
The re-election of Motsepe and the appointment of Eto'o to the executive committee are significant developments in the world of African football. As CAF continues to evolve and grow, these leaders will play critical roles in shaping the organization's future and promoting the development of football on the continent.
In the broader context, Motsepe's re-election highlights the importance of strong leadership in sports governance. As African football continues to grow in popularity and influence, the need for effective leadership and governance becomes increasingly important. Motsepe's re-election is a testament to his ability to drive progress and growth in African football, and his continued leadership is likely to have a lasting impact on the sport.