Three takeaways from Patrice Motsepe’s post-Qatar address

CAF president Patrice Motsepe addressed the media in Sandton, Johannesburg, about Africa’s exploits at the just-ended FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar. 

For the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, an African team – Morocco – reached the semi-final.

Here are three takeaways from Patrice Motsepe’s press conference held on Wednesday. 

Patrice Motsepe hails Morocco’s gallant performances

The CAF boss hailed Morocco and the gallant performances of Senegal, Cameroon, Tunisia and Ghana.

“The 54 African countries who are members of Caf are extremely proud and inspired by the victories and successes of the five African Nations that represented CAF at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” Motsepe told journalists.

“We are also particularly proud of Morocco’s historic qualification to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. It’s the first time in the history of the World Cup that an African nation has qualified for the semi-finals.

“I would like to express our deep gratitude to the players, the technical team, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football under the outstanding leadership of president Fouzi Lekjaa, the people of Morocco and His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI. May God assist Him,” he said.

Lagardère dispute resolved amicably

Patrice Motsepe also confirmed that the long-drawn impasse with Lagardère was a thing of the past.

In 2016, CAF, under the leadership of Issa Hayatou, signed a contract worth US$1 billion with the French media and marketing agency relating to media rights and marketing of African football for the period 2016 to 2028.

On the orders of FIFA, CAF terminated the agreement and was left in a US$50 million-sized hole.

“The dispute between CAF and Lagardère has been resolved amicably,” Motsepe said.

However, he refused to disclose details of the settlement agreement, saying they are confidential.

10 African nations can compete at the highest level

After Morocco’s five-star showing in Qatar, Motsepe is convinced that 10 African countries can hold their own against world-class opposition. 

“In my mind, there are at least 10 nations in Africa that can compete at the highest level and win.”

He added that the objective of ensuring an African nation wins the World Cup was alive and within reach.

“Our objective of ensuring that an African nation wins the World Cup is alive and within reach.”

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