As the Confederation of African Football (CAF) holds its 14th Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo today (Wednesday) the race for the CAF Executive Committee seats has taken a dramatic turn in the COSAFA region.
While most of CAF’s zonal unions—WAFU, CECAFA, UNAF, and UNIFFAC—are presenting unopposed candidates, the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) is witnessing an intense showdown for its allocated seat.
Incumbent Elvis Raja Chetty of Seychelles faces a fierce challenge from three contenders, making this the most hotly contested battle in the ongoing CAF elections.
COSAFA, the largest of CAF’s zonal unions with 14 member associations, has put forward four candidates for its two seats: Elvis Raja Chetty (Seychelles), Sopha Mohamed Ally Samir (Mauritius), Feizal Ismael Sidat (Mozambique), and Alfred Randriamanampisoa (Madagascar).
The stakes are high, as the winners will join CAF’s highest decision-making body, influencing the direction of African football during a pivotal time.
With voting just two days away, the COSAFA race has become the focal point of the elections, marked by intense lobbying, regional rivalries, and strategic maneuvering.
Elvis Raja Chetty, the incumbent, has been a prominent figure in African football since his election to the CAF Executive Committee in 2021, where he secured 40 out of 52 votes.
A barrister by profession, Chetty has served as president of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) since 2012, winning re-election in 2016 with unanimous support.
His tenure has been marked by initiatives like organizing the COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament and contributing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) organizing committee.
Chetty’s legal background and experience as a former vice-chair of the CAF Disciplinary Committee have positioned him as a reformist voice, advocating for increased investment in football development.
However, his critics argue that he has not done enough to address infrastructure challenges in smaller COSAFA nations, a point his challengers are capitalizing on.
Sobha Mohamed Ally Samir of Mauritius enters the race with a strong administrative background. As a key figure in the Mauritius Football Association, Samir has focused on youth development and grassroots programs, earning him support among COSAFA members who feel sidelined by larger nations.
His campaign emphasizes equitable resource distribution, a message that resonates with smaller federations like Lesotho and Eswatini. However, Samir also has the continental experience of Chetty, which some delegates see as an advantage in navigating CAF’s complex political landscape.
Feizal Ismael Sidat, representing Mozambique, brings a wealth of experience as a football administrator. Sidat has been instrumental in revitalizing Mozambican football, particularly through his leadership in the Mozambican Football Federation, where he has prioritized club development and international partnerships.
His ties to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, the unopposed CAF president, could bolster his chances, as some speculate Motsepe’s influence might sway COSAFA votes.
Yet, Sidat’s close association with Motsepe has also sparked concerns about independence, with some delegates wary of a potential “Motsepe bloc” dominating CAF decisions.
Alfred Randriamanampisoa of Madagascar is the dark horse in this race. A relatively new face in continental football, Randriamanampisoa has gained attention for his innovative approach to football governance in Madagascar, including digital initiatives to engage fans and improve transparency.
His campaign focuses on modernizing football administration across COSAFA, appealing to younger delegates.
However, his lack of a long-standing network within CAF may hinder his ability to secure enough votes against more established candidates like Chetty and Sidat.
The COSAFA contest stands in stark contrast to other zones, where candidates like Ghana’s Kurt Okraku (WAFU B), Liberia’s Mustapha Raji (WAFU A), Tanzania’s Wallace John Karia (CECAFA), and Algeria’s Sadhi Walid (UNAF) have secured automatic seats due to lack of opposition.
This has amplified the spotlight on COSAFA, with delegates whispering about potential vote-trading and last-minute alliances.
Chetty’s incumbency gives him an edge, but the challenge from Sidat, Samir, and Randriamanampisoa has turned this into a referendum on his tenure. Smaller COSAFA nations are pushing for fresh voices, while larger federations like South Africa and Zambia may back candidates aligned with their interests.
The outcome will not only shape COSAFA’s influence in CAF but also test the region’s unity as it navigates African football’s broader challenges, from infrastructure deficits to the growth of women’s football.
As Cairo prepares to host the elections, the COSAFA race is a reminder of the high stakes in African football governance. With two days left, the candidates are in overdrive, and the continent waits to see who will emerge victorious in this Southern showdown.
