Patrice Motsepe is set to be re-elected unopposed for a second term as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, March 12.
However, his tenure has raised concerns over his influence within the organization, his hands-off management approach, and structural issues that persist within African football’s governing body.
The upcoming election in Cairo mirrors the events of 2021, when Motsepe, the South African mining magnate and owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, ascended to the presidency as the sole candidate following the “Rabat Pact” brokered by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
While his re-election may appear to be a show of consensus, questions remain about the extent of his leadership within CAF.
A Distant Leader?
Motsepe’s presidency has been characterized by a notable absence from day-to-day operations. Unlike his predecessors, Issa Hayatou and Ahmad Ahmad, who were deeply involved in CAF’s management, Motsepe has largely delegated responsibilities.
The 63-year-old, who juggles his CAF duties with business interests, rarely spends time at the organization’s headquarters in Cairo, appearing mainly for key meetings.
His approach contrasts sharply with the centralized authority wielded by Hayatou, who led CAF from 1988 to 2017, and Ahmad, whose tenure was cut short by corruption allegations.
Motsepe’s distance from operational affairs has led to speculation that the real power within CAF lies elsewhere.
The Influence of Véron Mosengo-Omba
CAF’s secretary general, Véron Mosengo-Omba, has emerged as a dominant figure within the organization. A close associate of Gianni Infantino since their university days in Switzerland, Mosengo-Omba is believed to hold significant sway over CAF’s decision-making processes.
Reports suggest that he has made key administrative appointments without executive committee approval, raising concerns about governance.
His tenure has also come under scrutiny following an investigation by Swiss authorities into allegations of financial misconduct, including excessive bonuses.
Although the case was closed due to insufficient evidence, an internal CAF report in August 2024 accused him of obstructing governance, favoritism, and an authoritarian management style. Despite the CAF audit committee’s recommendation for his suspension, no action was taken.
This raises the question of whether Mosengo-Omba will retain his position in Motsepe’s second term. Investigative journalist Romain Molina suggests that his continued presence would signal where the true power in CAF lies.
“Under normal circumstances, such a report would lead to his departure. But in CAF, and with FIFA’s influence, nothing is ever certain,” he said.
A Culture of Silence
Concerns over CAF’s internal governance have often gone unchallenged. Algerian journalist Nazim Bessol recalls a moment at a CAF General Assembly when a member was expected to address concerns about internal investigations.
Instead, the individual spoke for barely two minutes before abruptly leaving the room, reflecting the reluctance of officials to confront controversial issues publicly.
“There is little appetite for open debate. Many prefer to voice concerns privately rather than challenge the status quo,” Bessol observed.
Progress and Challenges
Despite these criticisms, Motsepe’s tenure has not been without achievements. His flagship project, the Pan-African School Championship, launched in 2023, aims to nurture young football talent across the continent.
Women’s football has also seen growth, while the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire was widely regarded as a success, enhancing African football’s global profile.
However, financial constraints continue to hinder progress. Many national federations lack the resources to organize major competitions, often relying on Morocco to step in as host.
Journalist Hervé Penot points out that while CAF is expected to drive progress, much of the responsibility lies with national associations.
“CAF cannot do everything. Federations need to implement policies locally, but many choose to blame CAF rather than take responsibility,” he said.
A Defining Second Term?
With re-election secured, will Motsepe assert greater authority, or will his presidency continue along the same trajectory?
“You don’t become a billionaire in South Africa without a strong character,” said Penot. “Many underestimate him. If he chooses to take control, he can. The question is whether he has the will.”
For now, the structural challenges within CAF remain unchanged. Without active engagement from member federations and a shift in governance dynamics, substantial reform seems unlikely.
As Bessol notes, “Until federations take control of their own destinies, little will change. The same conditions will yield the same results.”
