Despite the joint endorsement of Andrew Kamanga and Souleiman Hassan Waberi by COSAFA and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations, individual football associations are still at liberty to vote as they deem fit, a factor that has greatly enhanced Amaju Pinnick’s chances in the race for a FIFA Council seat.
Pinnick has attracted considerable support from different regions, highly respected in African football governance.
By virtue of his wide network, diplomatic acumen, and successes recorded in CAF and, indeed, FIFA, he is considered the front-runner for the elections.
While COSAFA and CECAFA have officially thrown their weight behind Kamanga and Waberi, many football associations from the blocs have pointed at Pinnick as the man they want, being aware of his influence within the global football world and his experience in football administration.
According to AfricaSoccer.com sources, Pinnick may attract about 18 votes from COSAFA and CECAFA member associations to show that regional bloc endorsements do not mean guaranteed votes.
Besides, he enjoys overwhelming support from North and West Africa, where he has built strong alliances over the years.
This puts him in a commanding position as the elections draw closer.
With Pinnick currently leading the pack in the FIFA Council race, once more, African football politics are proving to be unpredictable.
The coming days will show if regional endorsements carry the day or if the broad-based acceptability of Pinnick propels him to victory
