With elections for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidency scheduled for next March, the race to succeed current president Patrice Motsepe is heating up. Although Motsepe, the South African businessman and former owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, has not yet disclosed whether he intends to seek re-election, three prominent African football figures are already positioning themselves as potential candidates for the top job.
Among those considering a bid is Jacques Anouma, the former president of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF).
Anouma, who led the federation from 2002 to 2011, is a well-known figure in African football administration and brings a wealth of experience to the race.
His tenure in Ivorian football was marked by significant development, and he is seen as a strong contender for the CAF presidency.
Joining him in the race is Ahmed Yahya, the influential head of Mauritanian football.
Yahya has been instrumental in the rise of football in Mauritania, helping to elevate the nation’s standing in African football through improved infrastructure and competitive development.
His leadership has earned him respect across the continent, and he is widely regarded as one of the driving forces behind Mauritania’s footballing progress in recent years.
The third candidate eyeing the CAF presidency is Augustin Senghor, the current president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).
Senghor’s tenure has seen Senegal rise to prominence in African football, including their historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 2021.
His leadership of one of Africa’s most successful footballing nations makes him another formidable contender in the upcoming elections.
As the election draws closer, competition is expected to be fierce, with each candidate bringing their own vision and ambitions for the future of African football.
Whether Motsepe decides to run for a second term or steps aside, the race to lead CAF into its next chapter is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched events in African sports governance.
Motsepe, who has been president since 2021, has yet to clarify his future plans.
His presidency has focused on developing African football, with ambitious goals including improving infrastructure, enhancing competition, and, as noted by Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o,
even aspiring for Africa to one day win the FIFA World Cup. However, with no official word from Motsepe regarding his candidacy, speculation continues to swirl around who will steer CAF in the post-Motsepe era.
The CAF presidency is one of the most influential positions in global football, and the outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future of the sport on the continent.
Whether through continued reform, innovation, or new leadership, the path forward for African football will be determined by the decisions made in next year’s election.
