Motsepe calls for unity as CAF chief meets Senegal football leadership

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed his commitment to unity in African football during an official visit to Senegal, where he held high-level meetings and addressed the media on Wednesday.

Ahead of his press conference, Motsepe engaged in discussions with the leader of football in Senegal, Abdoulaye Fall and key figures within the country’s football leadership.

The meetings were described as productive, focusing on strengthening collaboration and the development of the game across the continent.

Speaking to journalists, Motsepe emphasised the importance of unity, particularly at a time when African football continues to face challenges both on and off the pitch. He stressed that the continent must demonstrate its ability to resolve internal issues collectively while maintaining a strong and united image.

“We need to make sure that our people in Africa see us united and also see that where there are problems and sometimes very serious problems, we can work together and overcome them and present a united front of not just unity between Morocco and Senegal,” he said.

Motsepe also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Morocco and Senegal, noting that he had recently learned about the significant Senegalese community living in Morocco. He pointed to this relationship as an example of the broader unity that football can help foster across the continent.

“And I must say, I did not know that there are 250,000 Senegalese living in Morocco, and so there’s a very proud history between the people of Senegal and the people of Morocco, and I also learned about what that history entails between the two countries,” he added.

Reiterating CAF’s vision, Motsepe underlined football’s role as a powerful tool for bringing people together, insisting that the sport must continue to serve as a bridge across cultures and nations in Africa.

“And I said previously, we have always committed ourselves to using football to unite our people all over Africa.”

His visit comes at a time when African football is seeking greater cohesion and progress on the back of the controversy created after CAF stripped Senegal of their AFCON 2025 title and declared Morocco as champions.