CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe outlined several key initiatives during a press conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 16, 2024. As the leader of African football’s governing body since 2021, Motsepe’s announcements covered major updates on the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, CAF’s financial situation, upcoming events, and infrastructure development. These updates reflect CAF’s commitment to enhancing football across the continent.
Here are the five major takeaways from his address:
1. CHAN 2025 Dates and Venues Confirmed
Dr. Motsepe confirmed that the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues, will take place from February 1 to 28, 2025. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking a significant moment for East African football.
The three host cities—Nairobi (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)—are set to welcome CHAN teams, bringing high-level international football back to Kenya, a country that has struggled in recent years due to substandard stadium facilities.
Motsepe emphasized the importance of collaboration among the three nations, highlighting their commitment to hosting an exceptional tournament:
“The three host nations have shown tremendous dedication, and we are confident that CHAN 2025 will be a world-class event.”
This announcement marks a major step forward for East Africa, especially Kenya, which has not hosted international tournaments in recent years due to challenges with stadium standards.
2. CAF Congress Relocated from DR Congo to Ethiopia
Another significant announcement was the relocation of CAF’s annual Congress, originally scheduled to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to Ethiopia. The decision was made due to an outbreak of mpox in DR Congo, raising safety concerns for the event.
Motsepe explained that the move is in line with CAF’s focus on ensuring the well-being of its participants:
“The safety of our members and participants is our top priority. Ethiopia provides a safe and central location for this year’s Congress.”
Ethiopia’s strategic location within Africa and its ability to host major international events made it an ideal replacement. The Congress, which serves as the decision-making body for African football, will address critical issues related to the future of the game on the continent.
3. CAF’s Financial Recovery Under Motsepe’s Leadership
During the press conference, Motsepe shed light on CAF’s financial health, revealing a significant improvement since he assumed office in 2021. Upon taking leadership, CAF faced a financial deficit of approximately $50 million. However, Motsepe’s leadership has reduced this deficit to $9 million, a major achievement in stabilizing the organization’s finances.
Motsepe acknowledged that although CAF has made great strides, there is still work to be done:
“We’ve worked hard to turn things around, but the journey is not yet over. Financial stability is essential to driving football development across Africa.”
The financial progress is crucial to the success of CAF’s mission to promote football infrastructure, training programs, and youth development initiatives across the continent. This turnaround ensures that CAF can continue to invest in the growth of the game at all levels.
4. Motsepe Responds to Calls for a Second Term
As speculation grows regarding whether Dr. Motsepe will seek a second term as CAF president, he offered a cryptic response during the press conference. While he did not formally announce his intentions, he shared that CAF’s key sponsors have encouraged him to remain in his role.
“Two major sponsors privately told me that if I don’t continue as president, they might reconsider their support for CAF,” Motsepe said.
This comment underscores the positive relationships that Motsepe has cultivated with CAF’s financial backers, reflecting the confidence they have in his leadership. However, he stopped short of confirming whether he would pursue re-election, leaving the decision open for the future.
Motsepe’s tenure has been marked by improvements in governance, financial health, and the expansion of African football on the global stage, making him a popular figure within the organization.
5. Concerns Over Kenya’s Football Infrastructure
One of the pressing issues highlighted during the press conference was Kenya’s ongoing challenges with football infrastructure. Due to a lack of CAF-approved stadiums, Kenya’s national team has had to play its international home games in other countries. This has hindered the growth of football in Kenya, a country with a passionate fan base.
Motsepe expressed frustration with the current state of Kenya’s stadiums but offered praise for President William Ruto‘s commitment to addressing the issue. Ruto has promised to improve the country’s stadiums ahead of CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
“President Ruto is a man of his word, and we trust that Kenya will deliver on its promises,” Motsepe said, drawing applause from the gathered media.
Ongoing renovations at Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with further work scheduled for the construction of a new Talanta Sports City Stadium. These improvements will allow Kenya to host its international matches at home once again, a key milestone in the country’s football development.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for African Football
Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s leadership continues to drive significant changes in African football, with his vision extending beyond the immediate concerns of tournaments and finances. The confirmation of CHAN 2025, the relocation of the CAF Congress, and the financial improvements under his tenure reflect the progress that has been made under his leadership.
However, the future challenges—such as infrastructure in Kenya—highlight that more work is needed to ensure that African football reaches its full potential. Motsepe’s continued involvement, whether in a second term or through other means, will likely play a critical role in the continent’s football trajectory.
As African football looks to the future, the initiatives announced in Nairobi underscore the commitment to growth, stability, and success on the global stage.
