CAF president Patrice Motsepe addressed the media in Johannesburg on Wednesday, touching on various key issues about African football. The former Mamelodi Sundowns boss raised big talking points from his address in Sandton.
FARPost takes a look at six major highlights from Motsepe’s media briefing.
In one of the major takeaways from the media briefing, Motsepe declared that his current term as CAF president will be his last. Having taken the helm of continental football’s governing body in March 2021, Motsepe was re-elected unopposed in March 2025.
His current term expires in 2029, and he has explicitly stated that he will not seek a third term.
PATRICE MOTSEPE SAYS NO TO A THIRD TERM
“There are certain things you should never be persuaded about, and nobody is going to persuade me to serve more than two terms at CAF. It’s not going to happen,” said Motsepe. “I was supposed to serve only one term, but some partners said, ‘If you leave, then the money we are paying CAF leaves with you.’”
CAF BOSS DEBUNKS FIFA RUMOURS
The New York Post has reported that United States president Donald Trump wants FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to take over as United Nations Secretary-General when Antonio Guterres steps down on December 31, 2026.
That has sparked rumours that Motsepe is lining himself up to succeed Infantino as FIFA president. But the CAF boss has moved in to pour cold water on the reports.
“This thing about FIFA, I love FIFA. Enormous contribution that FIFA does, but I have no desire or ambition to be president of FIFA. It doesn’t excite me,” declared Motsepe. “You never do that. And as I said, FIFA does not need me. Nobody is going to be able to change my views on those things.”
MOTSEPE’S SUPPORT FOR GIANNI INFANTINO
The FIFA president is under fire, especially after the controversy-ridden 2026 FIFA World Cup. Most of the pressure on him to vacate his position is coming from Europe, where he hails from.
But the CAF chief has thrown his weight behind the Swiss-Italian. “I personally support Infantino. He is not just a good friend; he is loyal to Africa. I come from a background where, when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back,” Motsepe said.
FINANCIAL BOOST FOR WAFCON
Motsepe also announced that WAFCON prize money for the winner has been increased by 100 percent to $2 million [R33 million] starting with the 2026 edition that is set to kick off in Morocco on Sunday.
WAFCON runners-up will walk home with $750,000 [R13 million], in what is a 50 percent increase. These developments in the women’s game come as the number of participating teams in this tournament has increased from eight to 16 teams.
MOTSEPE DECLARES NEUTRALITY IN SAFA ELECTIONS
SAFA elections are set to take place in September, and Danny Jordaan is seeking re-election. AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu has come out declaring his candidature in what promises to be a brutal contest.
Motsepe has admitted that he is close to the two but says he will not be taking sides in this battle to lead SAFA.
“I know Danny. And I know Sandile. He [Zungu] was secretary general when I was president of the Black Business Council. I was given the job of uniting black and white businesses. Danny can phone me and say whatever he wants. Sandile can phone me and say whatever he likes. But there is a clear understanding that as president of CAF, I have to maintain a position of impartiality and neutrality.”
UPDATE ON 2027 AFCON
Motsepe has issued an update on the 2027 AFCON preparations, dismissing reports that the three East African co-hosts are running behind schedule.
“Good progress is being made with the preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027,” added Motsepe.
“The Government of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are very much committed and cooperating with CAF to ensure that the stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, transport, safety and security, medical services, technology, broadcasting and other infrastructure and facilities are at the requisite levels for a successful AFCON PAMOJA.”
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