By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
Cameroon legend, Samuel Eto’o has hailed the appointment of South Africa’s business tycoon, Patrice Motsepe, who was officially sworn in as the new Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Friday afternoon.
Motsepe was sworn in at the 43rd general assembly in Rabat, Morocco Friday.
He replaces Ahmad Ahmad who was suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last year in November, following corruption scandals.
Former Barcelona FC, Inter Milian and Chelsea FC striker posted his compliments on the microblogging, Twitter, “Huge congratulations to Patrice Motsepe on his new role as president of CAF! @CAFOnline #PatriceMotsepe #CAF #Africa,” reads the tweet.
The Mamelodi Sundowns owner become the 8th CAF president and the first Southern African and English-speaking administrator to ever lead the continental football body.
Prior CAF presidents were from North and East Africa.
The 59-year-old businessman was uncontested after three of his rivals vying for the presidential post withdrew from the presidential race that were scheduled for 12 March at Rabat in Morocco.
It is reportedly said FIFA president Gianni Infantino is the brains behind the deal.
However, the FIFA boss refused to align his name to the deal and told reporters that he has nothing to do with the CAF presidential elections
However, It is a position fully endorsed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who also took the opportunity to congratulate all the presidential election candidates on their collective vision and team spirit.
“I would like to congratulate Patrice Motsepe for his wisdom, his engagement, for his passion,” the FIFA President said. “I want to wish all the very best for the next four years, to the new leading team of CAF, of African football, and to Patrice Motsepe, to all those who have been involved, to Augustin Senghor, Ahmed Yahya, Jacques Anouma, who will now have important roles in CAF’s administration. You all want a strong and united Africa, projecting itself forward. It is thanks to you, it is your decision, your wish, your hope and your ambition. I want to assure you that FIFA is not at your side, FIFA is together with you.”
Other candidates are are now serving in the sae CAF Office , who withdrew from the presidential elections are Jacques Anouma of the Ivory Coast, Augustin Senghor from Senegal and Mauritania Football Federation president Ahmed Yahya, were also sworn in as Motsepe’s vices, while Anouma became the special advisor.
Meanwhile, after securing the CAF presidential post, Motsepe will step down as the Mamelodi Sundowns president.
His son Tlhopie Motsepe will replace him to become the new Masandawana president, whilst, Dr Rejoice Simelane, who is the club’s director is reported to serve as the vice president. Motsepe has three sons (Tlhopie, Kgosi and Kabelo)
