Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second consecutive term.
The 63-year-old South African, who has led CAF since 2021, made the announcement of his intention to run again in October 2024.
His re-election was confirmed during CAF’s extraordinary general assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino present at the event.
Motsepe, a mining magnate and owner of South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, expressed his desire to continue the positive progress he has made since assuming the role four years ago.
Though his re-election was largely a formality, elections were held for positions on CAF’s executive committee, with Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o securing a seat.
The assembly also included votes for Africa’s representatives on the FIFA council.
Motsepe’s second term was all but assured ahead of Wednesday’s event in Cairo, where he was the only candidate to run for office.
This uncontested election is seen as a clear endorsement of his leadership, especially after he took the reins of CAF during a turbulent time for African football.
When he succeeded Ahmad Ahmad from Madagascar in 2021, CAF was in crisis following Ahmad’s FIFA ban.
Since then, under Motsepe’s leadership, CAF has experienced significant growth, both financially and structurally.
Motsepe emphasized that while progress has been made, much work still remains.
In his speech at the assembly, he highlighted the need for improved national stadiums across the continent.
He pointed out that in 2021, 36 countries did not have football matches played on their home soil; this number has decreased to 12, but he remains focused on reducing it further.
He emphasized that CAF and FIFA must continue supporting the development of sports infrastructure to ensure a brighter future for African football.
