By ISSAH OLEGOR
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that he will not seek a third term in office, bringing an end to speculation over his future and signalling that his tenure as head of African football’s governing body will conclude in 2029.
The South African businessman and football administrator, who assumed office in 2021 following the departure of Ahmad Ahmad, said he intends to step aside after serving two terms, despite CAF statutes permitting him to contest for another mandate.
Motsepe’s announcement comes at a time when CAF is widely regarded as having undergone significant transformation under his leadership.
Since taking over the reins of African football, he has introduced reforms aimed at improving governance, strengthening financial management and enhancing the commercial value of the continent’s competitions.
One of the hallmarks of his presidency has been the increase in prize money for major CAF tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). His administration has also invested heavily in youth football development, coaching education, football infrastructure and support for CAF’s 54 member associations.
Motsepe has consistently maintained that African football possesses the talent to compete with the world’s best and has often expressed confidence that an African nation can one day win the FIFA World Cup.
That belief appeared to gain further momentum during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Africa recorded its best-ever collective performance. Nine of the continent’s 10 representatives progressed beyond the group stage, underlining the growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage.
The CAF President has argued that the progress made over the past several years must continue beyond his administration and has pledged to spend the remainder of his tenure consolidating the reforms already introduced.
His decision not to seek another mandate is expected to trigger early discussions about his eventual successor, with attention likely to turn to potential candidates capable of continuing CAF’s drive to modernise African football and strengthen its global influence.
Before leaving office, Motsepe is expected to oversee preparations for several key continental competitions, including the expanded 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, as well as further governance and development initiatives across the continent.
