By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
Mamelodi Sundowns owner, Patrice Motsepe, has unpacked his 10-point action plan centered on investing in football development which he will embark on if elected Confederation of African Football (CAF) president.
The South African billionaire businessman, presented his manifesto Thursday afternoon at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Motsepe who is set to square off with other three CAF presidential candidates; Jacques Anouma from Ivory Coast, Augustin Senghor of Senegal and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania, said he would focus on developing African football.
“I will invest in developing and growing football in each African continent through sponsorships, private sector and other partners,” he said.
The 59-year-old businessman indicated he would not relocate the CAF headquarters from Cairo to Joburg.
“Let me inform you, CAF headquarters won’t be shifted from Cairo (Egypt) to Joburg (South Africa), ” Motsepe said.
The business mogul went on to say, there would be improvement in the continental competitions.
He said he would invest in African football infrastructure and introduce the Video Assistant Refree [VAR] in Africa.
“I will improve the efficiency and proffessionalism of CAF’s Competitions and its staff, will also invest in the African football infrastructure.
“I will invest in our youth and the future of African football, develop and grow women’s football in the continent and protect the integrity and professionalism of referees.”
Should he get elected as the CAF president, Motsepe will take over from Ahmad Ahmad who was banned for five years by FIFA after ethics violation in November 2020.
He was however temporarily reinstated in January by Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) pending an appeal set to be heard on March 2.
This year’s CAF presidential elections are set to take place on the 12 of March at an elective conference in Rabat, Morocco.
Delegates present at today’s manifesto in Johannesburg were, SAFA President, Danny Jordaan, SA’s Minister of Sports, Nathi Mthethwa and Cosafa President Phillip Chiyangwa.
The former ZIFA president (Chiyangwa) described Motsepe as a winner and a huge force on the continent’s football fraternity, compared to other presidential candidates.
“Place Patrice there then put other candidates and tell me what you think. You can tell Patrice Motsepe is a winner,” Chiyangwa said.
The Zimbabwean business mogul, Chiyangwa helped Ahmad to replace former CAF president Issa Hayatou after 29-years of reign, which began in 1988 only to end in 2017.
