South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has secured another four-year term as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after running unopposed in the election. Motsepe, ranked as Africa’s ninth richest individual, had his re-election confirmed during CAF’s 14th extraordinary general assembly, which took place on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt. His leadership tenure, which began in 2021, has now been extended, allowing him to continue overseeing the development of African football. Motsepe made history when he became the first English-speaking president of CAF, succeeding Ahmad Ahmad, who was suspended by FIFA in 2020 due to financial misconduct. His presidency has been marked by significant structural and financial changes aimed at elevating African football’s global standing.
One of the major achievements under Motsepe’s leadership has been the substantial increase in prize money for African competitions. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) prize fund saw a boost of over 40 percent, reaching $7 million, which provided greater financial incentives for participating teams. Additionally, both the CAF Men’s and Women’s Champions Leagues experienced an increase in their prize money, further enhancing the competitiveness and financial appeal of African club football. These financial improvements have been part of Motsepe’s broader vision to make African football more lucrative, self-sustaining, and attractive to global investors and sponsors. His administration has prioritized financial growth and stability, ensuring that African footballers and clubs benefit from improved funding structures.
Another major milestone during Motsepe’s tenure has been the introduction of the African Football League (AFL), initially envisioned as a 24-team competition with an operating budget of $100 million. However, due to adjustments in the format, the league launched with only eight teams, and South African club Mamelodi Sundowns emerged as the winners of the inaugural edition in 2023. Despite this downsized start, the AFL represents a significant step toward increasing African club football’s global visibility and competitiveness. With another four years ahead, Motsepe is expected to continue his push for financial expansion, infrastructure development, and overall improvement in African football, solidifying his legacy as one of CAF’s most transformative leaders.
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