Africa’s ninth richest man, according to Forbes’ magazine and South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe, is the new President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, following his being elected unopposed on Friday.
Fifty-nine-year-old owner of 2016 African club champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, had his path to the CAF presidency cleared over the last week, when co-contenstants for the coveted office withdrew from the race, while another rival – Madagascar’s Ahmad – was barred from running.
Addressing a gathering of Africa’s member associations at the elections venue in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, Motsepe stressed his belief in how unity can herald a new era for African football.
He said, “It’s a huge honour and privilege for me (to be CAF president).
“Let me thank my brother (FIFA President) Gianni (Infantino) for the vision and encouragement of unity. We can only deal with the challenges of Africa and we will succeed, but we will only do so when we are united.”
Addressing Africa’s assembled member associations’ presidents and executive committee members, Motsepe, as he looked towards a brighter future, said, “The leadership we have in Africa (and) the leadership we have of football in every country gives me confidence and inspires me.
“I am absolutely confident that by working together, we will indeed succeed to make African football not just reach the summit, but be amongst the best in the world.”
Motsepe, owner of one of South Africa’s most successful clubsides, has previously spoken of his desire to see an African team win the World Cup.
