CAF Presidency : Patrice Motsepe Stalls Me Augustin Senghor !

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has announced his candidacy for re-election in the March 2025 elections, which reduces the chances of Me Augustin Senghor, the current president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and first vice president of CAF, from pursuing the presidency. According to L’Observateur, Senghor now appears to be out of the race.

When elected in 2021 at the 43rd CAF General Assembly in Rabat, Motsepe reportedly promised to hand over his position at the end of his term to his three main supporters: Senghor, Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania), and Jacques Anouma (Ivory Coast). This compromise contributed to his victory.

However, in response to pressing requests from many national federation leaders and influential figures in African football, Motsepe ultimately decided to run for a second term. This version contrasts with the initial commitments made.

“Patrice Motsepe never stated that he would limit himself to a single term as CAF president,” clarified journalist and CAF Media Officer Aliou Goloko. “Due to the consensus surrounding his rise to power, some assumed he would settle for one term, especially since he is a highly sought-after businessman. But in reality, he has never made such a declaration.”

A Dilemma for Augustin Senghor

Motsepe’s candidacy could pose a dilemma for Augustin Senghor, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and current first vice president of CAF. Senghor had put his ambitions on hold to support Motsepe, particularly after the visit of FIFA president Gianni Infantino to Dakar. Appointed as CAF’s number two following the General Assembly in Morocco, Senghor now faces a delicate choice between his personal aspirations and his position within Motsepe’s team. According to Aliou Goloko, Senghor’s candidacy is unlikely: “Knowing Augustin, I doubt he will run against Motsepe. He is part of the current management team and would therefore find it difficult to position himself in opposition.”

A member of the FSF Executive Committee confirms this perspective, stating that Senghor “will never run against Motsepe” for ethical reasons. He adds: “Augustin has told me he could never see himself standing against Motsepe.”