Patrice Motsepe, the South African billionaire and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is poised to secure a second term in office unopposed as CAF holds its 14th Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday.
With no challengers stepping forward to contest his presidency, Motsepe’s re-election is a formality, reflecting his firm grip on African football’s leadership—but his next term comes with towering expectations to deliver on reform promises and elevate the continent’s global standing.
Motsepe, 63, who first took the helm in 2021, has navigated a turbulent period for CAF, steering the organization through a post-scandal era following the 2019 corruption charges against his predecessor, Ahmad Ahmad.
His unopposed re-election, confirmed by CAF’s electoral list where the South African Football Association (COSAFA) proposed him as the sole candidate, underscores the confidence—or lack of viable alternatives—that CAF’s 54 member associations have in his leadership.
Sources within CAF suggest that Motsepe’s financial clout, diplomatic finesse, and strategic alliances across the continent have deterred potential challengers.
“Motsepe has played a smart game,” said a CAF delegate, speaking on condition of anonymity to AfricaSoccer.com in Cairo on Monday morning ahead of a series of CAF meetings in the Egyptian capital.
“He’s built bridges with key regional blocs like COSAFA, CECAFA WAFU A and WAFU B, and the increase in financial support for federations has won him loyalty. No one wanted to take him on.”
His tenure has also been marked by high-profile achievements, such as maintaining sponsorship deals with major brands like TotalEnergies and increasing prize money for CAF competitions, which has bolstered his popularity among member associations.
However, some insiders point to a less flattering reason for the lack of opposition: a lingering fear of political repercussions.
Motsepe’s wealth and influence as a mining magnate, coupled with his close ties to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, may have discouraged dissent. Critics argue that the absence of competition raises questions about democratic processes within CAF, especially after a history of governance controversies.
“An uncontested election doesn’t always mean universal support,” noted a football analyst in Cairo. “It can also mean a lack of space for challengers to emerge.”
As Motsepe prepares for another four years, his to-do list is daunting. First, he must accelerate CAF’s governance reforms, ensuring transparency in financial dealings—a sore point after years of mismanagement.
The 2021 cancellation of a $1 billion TV rights deal with Lagardère Sports, marred by allegations of impropriety, remains a stain on CAF’s reputation.
Motsepe has promised to strengthen oversight, but tangible results are still pending and he also needs to address the infrastructure gap plaguing African football.
Many nations struggle to host international matches due to substandard stadiums, as seen during qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where teams like Gambia, Madagascar, Kenya and Zimbabwe have had to play “home” games abroad.
Motsepe’s first term saw the launch of several initiatives, but progress has been slow. He must now push for concrete investments to ensure more African countries can host major tournaments, especially with the continent eyeing a stronger presence at the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Third, Motsepe must champion the growth of women’s football, an area where Africa lags behind other confederations.
While the CAF Women’s Champions League, launched in 2021 under his watch, was a step forward, participation and investment remain limited.
The automatic election of Ditabala Member to the Executive Committee offers a chance to prioritize gender equity, but Motsepe will need to allocate resources and drive grassroots initiatives to make a lasting impact.
Finally, Motsepe must navigate regional rivalries that have surfaced during the ongoing Executive Committee elections, where candidates like Ghana’s Kurt Okraku (WAFU B) and Liberia’s Mustapha Raji (WAFU A) secured automatic seats, while COSAFA’s crowded field has sparked tensions.
Balancing the interests of CAF’s diverse zones—CECAFA, WAFU, UNAF, COSAFA, and UNIFFAC—will be critical to maintaining unity and ensuring equitable development across the continent.
