Patrice Motsepe backed for CAF presidency
Government and the South African Football Association (SAFA) have backed Mamelodi Sundowns boss Patrice Motsepe in his run for the CAF Presidency.
The announcement was made at SAFA house on Monday morning.
Nigeria's FA President Amaju Pinnick, Isha Johansen of Sierra Leon FA and Botswana have also endorsed Motsepe for the top job.
SAFA President Danny Jordaan says Motsepe’s contribution to football is the reason why the association decided to lobby CAF.
“Clearly, you have to improve the quality of football and therefore you have to unlock the revenue into football and Africa and CAF must be one of the leading continental bodies in FIFA.
“Those are the issues that led us to a clear decision that his business acumen is observant of governance, his legal training, global business, network and skills, his commitment and love for African football makes him a revolutionary choice for the leadership of African football.
“In the post continental and global football environment requires football’s commercial partners to re-examine the competition offering of CAF. It must improve its global profile and standing as a confederation of FIFA, and we believe that he is a candidate that can achieve for the benefit of African football.”
The 58-year-old business tycoon will be campaigning for the top job against Jacques Anouma, as endorsed by Ivorian Football Federation and current CAF President Ahmad Ahmad.
“We are very firm on our commitment as South Africa to see a better Africa and Better world and we think that the strengthening of those relations and having a better Africa, we will need a person who has affinity to the mother continent, and he has that,” said Minister of Sport Nathi Mthethwa.
“Somebody with a passion, we’ve seen Motsepe coming out very clear in terms of his sense of duty to his country and his people, to the football fraternity in this very country and sense of patriotism.”
The new CAF is set to be elected in March next year.
