By Sello Masilo
The South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan, alongside other key COSAFA region leaders, has expressed unanimous support for Dr Patrice Motsepe’s re-election as Confederation of African Football (CAF) President. This endorsement arrives ahead of the CAF presidential elections, scheduled for March 2025, and is seen as a vote of confidence in Motsepe’s leadership and vision for African football.
Background: COSAFA Endorsement at SAFA House
In a press conference held at SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg, Dr Jordaan welcomed COSAFA leaders from Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, and Malawi, who all endorsed Dr Motsepe’s bid for a second term. Notably, many of the 14 COSAFA member countries that were not present sent messages of support, reaffirming a unified commitment from the region for Motsepe’s re-election.
Dr Jordaan remarked, “We are here because it’s election season, and we are endorsing Dr Patrice Motsepe again. He has shown exceptional leadership, especially given the financial and operational challenges CAF faced when he first took office in 2021.”
Achievements in Financial Recovery and Organisational Stability
Since assuming office, Dr Motsepe has steered CAF toward financial stability. When Motsepe took over in 2021, CAF had a deficit nearing $45 million. Under his leadership, this has been drastically reduced, with a projection of a positive balance of $11 million by the next financial year  . According to Andrew Kamanga, President of the Football Association of Zambia and Vice-Chair of the CAF Finance Committee, this financial recovery has been a defining achievement of Motsepe’s presidency.
Kamanga stated, “Motsepe inherited significant financial issues, but through disciplined management and strategic reforms, CAF’s finances have transformed remarkably. This financial health enables more investment in grassroots and professional football development.”
Transforming African Football: Growth in Competitions and Developmental Initiatives
Motsepe’s tenure has marked a turning point for football in Africa, with notable progress across both men’s and women’s competitions. The introduction of the CAF Schools’ Competition—launched to foster young talent across COSAFA and beyond—has already generated excitement. Dr Jordaan highlighted that these competitions benefit boys and girls, building a pipeline for future professional talent .
Additionally, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted in Côte d’Ivoire recorded historic viewership and revenue, marking it as CAF’s most financially successful tournament to date. The African Football League, introduced to bolster club competition on the continent, has also seen enthusiastic reception from both clubs and fans.
COSAFA’s Call for Continuity in Leadership
COSAFA leaders believe that Dr Motsepe’s re-election would bring necessary stability to African football. Peter Simelane, President of the Eswatini Football Association, stated, “The foundation Dr Motsepe has built over the past years is crucial for African football’s future. We need continuity to consolidate these achievements and address ongoing challenges.”
Dr Motsepe’s presidency has also prioritised greater transparency and governance within CAF. Many COSAFA members view his reforms as crucial to rebuilding CAF’s reputation, especially following the controversies under previous administrations  .
Addressing Challenges: Infrastructure, Broadcast Rights, and Financial Contracts
While Dr Motsepe’s term has seen significant successes, it has not been without hurdles. CAF has faced challenges regarding broadcast rights and infrastructure standards for competitions. Motsepe inherited unresolved broadcast disputes, notably with Lagardère and beIN SPORTS, which led to significant financial losses. Despite these setbacks, CAF managed to renegotiate contracts, although there remains room for improvement in maximising revenue from media rights .
In his bid for re-election, Motsepe has voiced a commitment to continue addressing infrastructure deficits. His insistence on certain standards has led to several teams and clubs playing “home” matches outside their own countries due to inadequate facilities. While challenging, COSAFA members have welcomed this push for improved facilities, seeing it as a necessary step for African football to be globally competitive.
COSAFA’s Unified Stance Amidst Potential North African Opposition
While COSAFA is backing Dr Motsepe, speculation suggests that some North African nations may support other candidates, such as Cameroonian legend and Cameroon Football Federation President, Samuel Eto’o, if he decides to run. However, many COSAFA leaders believe that Motsepe’s accomplishments and CAF’s improved stability will secure him the majority of votes among the 54 member associations .
Dr Jordaan underscored that COSAFA’s endorsement is based on Dr Motsepe’s impact rather than regional loyalty. “Our support is not merely because he comes from the Southern region, but because of his results and vision for African football,” he said.
The Role of Term Limits and Good Governance
The endorsement meeting also brought to light discussions on governance reforms within CAF and COSAFA. While CAF currently lacks term limits for its president, FIFA introduced a three-term limit in 2017, advocating for enhanced governance and accountability. COSAFA leaders, including Kamanga, voiced support for term limits, with Kamanga noting, “For the good order of governance, term limits must be respected. You can’t be there forever” .
Dr Jordaan, however, sidestepped questions regarding his future leadership in SAFA, amid speculation that he might run for another term in 2026 despite previously committing to step down. COSAFA leaders see term limits as a positive step to ensure that leadership remains dynamic and accountable, a position consistent with FIFA’s governance standards .
Future Vision: Strengthening African Club Competitions and Reducing Financial Barriers
Under Dr Motsepe’s leadership, CAF has increased prize money and introduced travel stipends for clubs competing in continental tournaments, which helps offset travel costs for less financially equipped teams. Fleetwood Haiya, President of the Malawi Football Association, praised this initiative, stating, “The $50,000 support for clubs in preliminary rounds is critical for countries like Malawi, where clubs face significant financial constraints in competing abroad” .
By alleviating some financial pressures, Motsepe’s reforms are expected to foster stronger competition within CAF tournaments, ultimately benefiting national teams that rely on local talent. COSAFA leaders argue that these reforms not only strengthen clubs but also position African teams to perform better on international stages, reinforcing CAF’s mission of raising African football’s profile globally.
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