Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has confirmed he will not seek another term, insisting his priority is to build a strong foundation for the future of African football.
The South African businessman made the announcement at a press conference during the CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde, where football administrators, coaches and stakeholders gathered to discuss the continent’s development and competitiveness on the global stage.
Motsepe was first elected CAF president on 12 March 2021 after the other candidates withdrew from the race. He was re-elected for a second term on 12 March 2025 at the organisation’s 14th Extraordinary General Assembly.
The 64-year-old said his focus was on establishing sustainable structures that would allow African football to keep progressing beyond his presidency.
His comments come as CAF reviews its development priorities, with renewed emphasis on improving competitions, strengthening member associations and creating better conditions for African countries to compete at the highest level.
Motsepe has repeatedly expressed his ambition to see an African nation win the FIFA World Cup, arguing that the continent must learn from past shortcomings and implement the necessary reforms to improve its chances of success.
With the 2030 World Cup on the horizon, African football leaders face growing pressure to assess previous performances, review existing strategies and identify areas requiring urgent attention.
The CAF president’s remarks underline the importance of building effective institutions and long-term development programmes capable of delivering lasting benefits beyond his time in office.
Since taking charge in 2021, Motsepe has highlighted the need to support all 54 CAF member associations and improve football development across the continent.
His final term is expected to be closely scrutinised as the governing body seeks to turn its ambitions into tangible improvements in the quality and competitiveness of African football.
The strategy conference in Cape Verde offers an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the challenges facing the game and agree on policies that could shape its future.
Motsepe’s decision not to pursue another term also brings the question of succession into focus, although attention remains on the reforms and strategic decisions that will emerge during the remainder of his presidency.
At the Conference, Motsepe also revealed that CAFÂ is considering that the Africa Cup of Nations could continue to be held every two years, with discussions under way to reverse its proposed switch to a four-year cycle.
