Motsepe Gets South Africa’s Government Backing For CAF Presidency

Mamelodi Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe has finally received the backing of the South Africa government for the forthcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections.

Motsepe is hoping to become the first South African to be elected as the President of Africa’s football governing body.

The 58-year-old billionaire will challenge CAF president Ahmad Ahmad and for the seat in a contest that has also attracted former Ivory Coast FA president Jacques Anouma.

Motsepe’s candidature has been in doubt with top businessmen and football stakeholders kicking against his decision to run for the position.

But the South Africa government through Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture together with South Africa Football Association (SAFA) endorsed the candidature of the Motsepe in a meeting at SAFA House on Monday.

After the end of the meeting, SAFA released a statement explaining their decision to front Motsepe to run against Ahmad.

“The SAFA National Executive Committee approved a round-robin resolution by an overwhelming majority to nominate Dr Patrice Motsepe for the position of President of CAF. His football and business success is well recorded in our continent and in the World,” read part of the statement released on Monday.

“We are convinced that his business acumen, his strict observance of governance, his legal training, his global business network and his commitment and love for African and world football makes him a revolutionary choice for the leadership of African Football.

“The post-Covid continental and global football environment require football and commercial partners to re-examine its competition offering. African Football must achieve higher revenue levels for the benefit of its members.

“It must improve its global profile and standing in the confederation of FIFA. We believe he is the candidate that can achieve this for the benefit of African Football.”

Incumbent Ahmad is running for the second term amid charges of corruption and abuse of authority.

Nigeria, Botswana and Sierra Leone have already endorsed Motsepe’s candidature and SAFA is currently persuading other nations to back their candidate.