Motsepe

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 25: Patrice Motsepe with Robert Marawa and Minister Nathi Mthethwa during the Dr. Patrice Motsepe CAF Manifesto launch at Sandton Convention Centre on February 25, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Nathi Mthethwa lauds appointment of Patrice Motsepe as Caf President

Mthethwa said the emphatic victory of the Motsepe campaign was an indication of the esteem our country holds on the continent.

Motsepe

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 25: Patrice Motsepe with Robert Marawa and Minister Nathi Mthethwa during the Dr. Patrice Motsepe CAF Manifesto launch at Sandton Convention Centre on February 25, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has congratulated Patrice Motsepe on his appointment as the new Caf President.

Mthethwa said the emphatic victory of the South African billionaire’s campaign was an indication of the place held by our country on the continent.

“The news out of the Moroccan capital of Rabat, while expected, is further confirmation of the high esteem enjoyed by SA in the community of football nations,” Mthethwa said in a statement.

“Following so closely after the successful hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup by SA, Mr Motsepe’s election as the eighth Caf president constitutes a welcome vote of confidence in our country by the 54-nation strong general assembly.”

Mthethwa congratulates Motsepe
Patrice Motsepe Caf President
President of the CAF Patrice Motsepe is pictured during a break at the 43rd CAF General Assembly, on March 12, 2021, in the Moroccan capital Rabat. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP) (Photo by FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Mthethwa backed Motsepe to take the game forward and tackle the significant challenges facing African football.

“Judging by the 10-point plan that underpins Mr Motsepe’s election manifesto, it is clear that he not only intends to hit the ground running but also constitutes a commitment to all continental football in general, and women’s football in particular, to be the centrepiece of his term as president.

“Congratulations to all those involved in driving such a successful campaign. On our part as government, we will provide all the support required to make the term of our country’s first Caf president a rewarding and productive experience.”

Motsepe looks to build unity

Motsepe has set out his stall to govern African football in a spirit of co-operation and togetherness. The new Caf President has invited his vice-presidents, Augustin Senghor and Ahmed Yahya to embark on a fact-finding mission across the African continent.

“This is how I want to lead, working closely with my brother Augustin, my brother Yahya and my senior adviser [Anouma].

“[First] there’s a sense of urgency to ensure that African football is globally competitive, and self-sustaining.

“The test of the success of African football has to do with what happens in every country. And that’s why I will be — and the intention is that the VPs and senior adviser will go with me — visiting every country in Africa within the next nine to 12 months.

“One of the journalists was asking me ‘What does success look like?’ And the way that success looks in relation to a year, two years, three years from now, is that we look at how African clubs and nations are performing globally.

“We have to compete at the highest level in the world. And there is no higher level than the Fifa World Cup.

“I had the honour of taking my club to the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan in 2016. We [Africa] want to compete there.

“And also do well in every country. The quality — spend money and contribute to development of academies.

“There’s a clear understanding that we have to excel on the field. But also there’s a clear understanding that if you listen to our financials, we’ve got problems there,” Motsepe added.

“We’ve got to fix it. And we will fix it. Pursue partnerships with the private sector, and build a partnership that makes them appreciate the huge benefit to their businesses of participating with us, and sponsoring football in each of those member countries.

“But also sponsoring and increasing the prize money in the Caf competitions.”

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