Patrice Motsepe, the South African billionaire, is poised to secure a second term as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after no challenger emerged for the position ahead of the March 2025 elections. The deadline for candidates to submit their nominations closed on November 12, 2024, and Motsepe remains the only candidate standing, guaranteeing him a smooth path to re-election.
Since assuming office in March 2021, Motsepe’s leadership has been marked by significant reforms and positive changes within CAF. His tenure has been characterized by a substantial boost in revenue generation, as well as a notable increase in prize money for CAF’s competitions. These financial improvements were particularly evident in the success of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hailed as a direct result of the strategic policies introduced under his guidance.
One of Motsepe’s primary achievements has been enhancing CAF’s financial health. The organization recently revealed a remarkable turnaround in its finances. The losses, which stood at $28 million the previous year, were reduced to just $8.8 million in the 2022/23 financial period. This improvement is a testament to the more efficient management and revenue-generation strategies implemented during his leadership. Furthermore, CAF is targeting a net profit of R205 million for the upcoming financial year, with long-term projections forecasting over $1 billion in revenues within the next eight years.
Despite initial speculation that high-profile figures such as Hany Abou Rida, the President of the Egyptian Football Association, might challenge Motsepe for the presidency, Abou Rida has decided to shift his focus. He is now aiming for a return to the FIFA Council, where he has served for two decades. In addition, CAF vice presidents Souleiman Waberi from Djibouti and Kanizat Ibrahim from Comoros, who were also seen as potential rivals for the presidency, have opted to run for FIFA Council seats instead, effectively clearing the way for Motsepe’s re-election.
With the absence of any strong opposition, Motsepe is set to continue in his role, ushering in a new era for CAF. His second term will likely see further advancements in the modernization and financial growth of African football. CAF’s recent efforts to increase the commercial value of its tournaments, alongside improved media rights deals and expanded partnerships with global sponsors, have positioned the organization to continue thriving under Motsepe’s leadership.
Motsepe’s leadership style has earned praise from various football associations and stakeholders, who have lauded his ability to navigate complex challenges and drive positive change within the organization. His first term has been focused on laying the groundwork for CAF’s long-term sustainability, and the next four years will be crucial in continuing this momentum.
The lack of any challengers for the CAF presidency highlights the confidence and support Motsepe has garnered during his first term. It also reflects a broader sense of stability within the organization, which is poised to continue its growth under his guidance. With a renewed focus on boosting African football’s profile on the global stage, Motsepe’s re-election is expected to herald further investments in infrastructure, youth development, and the overall growth of the sport across the continent.
In the coming months, Motsepe’s leadership will be closely watched as he works to fulfill CAF’s ambitious financial targets and continues to modernize the African football landscape. His second term promises to be an exciting chapter for CAF as it seeks to build on the successes of his first stint and solidify its position as a major player in the global football arena.
