Patrice Motsepe has secured another term as President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). As the sole candidate, the South African businessman was re-elected unopposed during the Extraordinary General Assembly held in Cairo on Wednesday, March 13.
A Second Term Focused on Modernization
The 14th Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) of CAF brought together the organization’s members in the Egyptian capital, with one of the key agenda items being the presidential election for the 2024-2029 cycle. As the only candidate, Motsepe was confirmed for a second term, continuing the work he began since taking office in 2021.
This reappointment reflects a commitment to modernizing African football.
Motsepe’s first term saw several initiatives aimed at strengthening CAF’s financial sustainability, modernizing continental competitions, and attracting new commercial partners. The South African businessman, who made his fortune in the mining industry, leveraged his network and influence to enhance CAF’s standing on the global football stage. His re-election signals the confidence of African football leaders in his ability to continue these efforts.
Strengthening African Football’s Foundations
The FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, attended the assembly alongside CAF member association presidents and key figures in global football. Beyond the presidential election, the meeting also focused on renewing part of CAF’s Executive Committee and appointing six African representatives to the FIFA Council, a crucial entity in global football governance.
A major challenge for Motsepe’s second term will be to consolidate progress made over the past three years. Key priorities include:
• Enhancing competition management
• Strengthening football infrastructure across Africa
• Ensuring financial transparency within CAF
Under his leadership, CAF has undertaken key reforms, including strategic partnerships with investors and international football bodies.
Aiming for Greater Global Influence
With this second term, Motsepe aims to further cement Africa’s influence in global football. During his first mandate, discussions with FIFA were initiated to increase African representation in major international tournaments, particularly the Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup. Following Morocco’s historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup, the continent seeks to build on this momentum to bolster its international standing.
Beyond club and national team competitions, CAF also plans to accelerate the development of women’s football and youth categories, through new tournaments and improved training structures. This ambitious undertaking will require effective governance and close collaboration with national federations and institutional partners.
Patrice Motsepe’s re-election as CAF President signals continuity in the management of African football’s governing body. The key question remains: Will this second term drive the transformation needed to elevate African football to the level of the world’s leading football nations?
