South African businessman and football administrator Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed for a second four-year term as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reaffirming his influence in shaping the future of the sport on the continent.

Motsepe, who first took office in 2021, has won widespread support from CAF member associations, leading to his unchallenged bid for re-election during the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at the event, underscoring the strong partnership between the two governing bodies.

During his first term, Motsepe implemented sweeping financial reforms, stabilizing CAF’s once-precarious economic situation. Under his leadership, the organization reported a $72 million (£55.5m) profit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, a remarkable 18-fold increase from the previous edition. The tournament also drew a record global audience of 2 billion viewers, boosting CAF’s profile internationally.

However, despite these successes, challenges remain. Motsepe acknowledged that stadium infrastructure remains a pressing issue, with 12 African nations still unable to host international matches due to substandard facilities. Addressing this shortfall will be a priority in his second term.

“In 2021, there were 36 countries that were not playing football in their home nations. The number has come down to 12, but that is still too many,” Motsepe said. “At CAF and FIFA, it is our job to continue supporting the development of sports infrastructure to ensure every African nation can host games.”

Motsepe’s re-election cements his position as a key figure in African and global football, with his leadership widely viewed as instrumental in CAF’s ongoing revival. Alongside his return, the assembly also saw the election of new CAF executive committee members, including Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o, and the selection of Africa’s representatives on the FIFA Council.

With financial stability restored, Motsepe’s second term is expected to focus on long-term investments in stadiums, youth development, and improving the competitiveness of African football on the global stage.