Patrice Motsepe hints at major changes at CAF

CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe made statements that suggests possible changes at the Confederation of African Football, in his pre-tournament press conference ritual, held in Treichville, Abidjan.

Addressing the press after a General Assembly by CAF executive committee members, Patrice Motsepe hinted at some changes at the Confederation.

Quizzed on the arrival of the AFL and what it meant to other CAF inter-club competitions, Motsepe said:

“Too many games in a football calendar could be detrimental. However, we need money for football clubs. Clubs that took part in the AFL received a million dollars upfront.

“When I was president of Sundowns and we won the champions league, what we got as prize money was peanuts. We may have to cancel the Confederations cup. We cannot have too many competitions.” The CAF supremo opined.

Dr. Motsepe’s statement suggests that the legacy of the annual association football club competition established in 2004 from a merger of the CAF Cup and the African Cup Winners’ Cup, will at some point be wiped out.

Women’s inter-club Football is on the rise. The last two editions have been testament to its growth, with talks of increasing the tournament from 8 to 12 or 16 teams.

“Due to the performances of teams in the CAF women’s champions league, we may have to increase the number of teams next edition”, Motsepe emphasized as regards the query.

“One of the biggest investments is growing youth football. The schools tournament is something I was very passionate about to start.

“We need to develop African Football personalities. The next Leo Messi and Ronaldo should come from Africa.”

Before the press conference, Motsepe help a meeting with match officials selected for the competition.

He added that the Confederation is trying to increase the impartiality, independence and quality of African referees, helping them to be world class.