Patrice Motsepe Promises Tangible Progress in His Presidential Reign!

Patrice Motsepe Promises Tangible Progress in His Presidential Reign! The newly appointed CAF President addressed the media in Sandton today.

It was very necessary as the Motsepe camp had only spoken about his 10-point manifesto. However, Motsepe spoke about a much more detailed and elaborate plan to grow African football in his 4 year spell.

“This period of leadership will be judged not by my election manifesto [but by action],” Motsepe told the media

“I am not going to be president of an organisation that four years from now has not made practical and tangible progress. It is not going to happen.

“I am absolutely confident that over the next few years’ African football will improve, become globally competitive and self-sustaining.

“Over the next nine to 12 months, I will be visiting every single one of the African nations. I will also have two more meetings this year with all the presidents [of CAF member associations] and we will talk about the urgent steps we need to take to improve the game on the continent.

“At [FIFA] World Cup level we have to succeed and be respected. But the only thing that brings respect is results.”

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Sport, Art & Culture Nathi Mthethwa, PSL President Dr Irvin Khoza, SAFA President Danny Jordaan and COSAFA President Dr Phillip Chiyangwa, among others.

“We need financing for the whole of the continent. We have to get the private sector to sponsor African football, we must increase the sponsorship for the Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations] to make it significantly more. And for the African Champions League.

“What excites me is what we can potentially do. We have 280-million young Africans on this continent between the ages of 15-24. By 2050 that will be close to 400-million.

“Football has a unique role to play in providing opportunities to these youth.” He added.

Motsepe spoke about the appointment of his new CAF General-Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba. He also confirmed that the AFCON will take place every 2 years, not the proposed 4 years.

“I need results, I need someone who can hit the ground running,” Motsepe said of Mosengo-Omba.

“This is one area where there were different views among people. But it has to be every two years, there is no doubt about it,” Dr Motsepe said.

“African football needs partners who can make things happen. We need partners who will be with us on the ground, who will make a difference. And my main obligation is to do what is in the best interests of Africa.”

Patrice Motsepe Promises Tangible Progress in His Presidential Reign!