SA Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has come out strongly to defend CAF president Patrice Motsepe against critics who claim he is introducing changes to please Europeans.
Motsepe has implemented significant changes at CAF, shifting the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] to a four-year cycle. CAF has also introduced a new annual African Nations League.
However, the changes have been received with mixed reactions, with some sections of football stakeholders suggesting the decisions are meant to please Europeans and are influenced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
However, speaking at O.R. Tambo International Airport when welcoming back Bafana Bafana this week, McKenzie said Motsepe should be respected for transforming the CAF.
GAYTON MCKENZIE ARGUES PEOPLE TO SHOW PATRICE MOTSEPE MORE RESPECT
“We must be honest. Firstly, Patrice Motsepe has transformed CAF. Patrice Motsepe has truly brought respect to CAF,” McKenzie told journalists.
“You know, there are some Leagues in Africa where people are even still getting a bag of rice for man of the match. So Patrice Motsepe has brought professionalism to it. To align it with Europe and the big leagues is the way to go. Our football is not there yet.
“But people are criticising Patrice and saying he is in the pockets of [Gianni Infantino]. How can Patrice be in the pockets of Gianni Infantino? Patrice can swipe him with a savings card,” he added.
WHY THE CAF PRESIDENT SHOULDN’T BE UNDERESTIMATED
“But now they say Patrice is in his pocket. How can Patrice be in the pocket of the president of FIFA? He is not a small guy. We must stop this thing of underestimating our own people. Patrice is doing an absolutely fine job, and I saw a lot of journalists say he is in the pocket. Patrice being in the pocket? Wait.”
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