By Kwame Bediako
Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second term. The decision was made at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly held in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Motsepe, a South African businessman and mining magnate, will now extend his leadership of the organization until 2029. His re-election comes as a testament to his efforts in stabilizing CAF’s finances and elevating professional standards within the continent’s football governing body.
Motsepe first took the reins of CAF in 2021 during a general assembly in Johannesburg. Since then, he has overseen significant reforms, earning widespread praise for his leadership. Under his tenure, CAF has managed to improve its financial health and enhance the professionalism of its operations, which had faced challenges in the past. Motsepe’s vision for African football has resonated with member associations, leading to his unopposed re-election.
Outside of his role at CAF, Motsepe is also the owner of the South African Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns. However, upon assuming the presidency of CAF, he stepped aside from his club duties to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. His son, Tlhopie Motsepe, has since taken over as the chairperson of Mamelodi Sundowns, ensuring the club’s continued success.
The 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo served as a platform for member associations to reflect on the progress made under Motsepe’s leadership and to outline the roadmap for the future. Delegates expressed confidence in Motsepe’s ability to guide African football to new heights, particularly in areas such as tournament organization, youth development, and grassroots football.
