CAF boss keeps Africa guessing
HARARE - Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar has been endorsed to run for another term, but the most influential man in continental football will not say whether he indeed wants to remain at the helm.
The CAF presidential election will take place in Rabat, Morocco in March 2021. No candidate has registered an interest in making a run for the biggest office in African football, though there is still time for Ahmad and any potential challengers to do so as they have up to November 12 to formalise any interest.
But, it is Ahmad who has received overwhelming backing from the majority of football associations in Africa. Ahmad has already been guaranteed the support of 46 associations out of a total of 54 registered associations. This means should he decide to go for a second term, any challenge would be academic unless there is a spectacular fall out between Ahmad and the associations.
The six regional councils – headed by Cosafa leader Philip Chiyangwa, Mamadou Antonio Souaré, Abdulhakim Al Shelmani, Gustavo Ndong, Djibrilla Hima Hamidou and Wallace Karia - have all said they are backing Ahmad.
The Malagasy football administrator is credited with bringing transparency to African soccer and promoting the women’s game across the continent.
Speaking after getting assurances from the majority associations, Chiyangwa - who is Ahmad’s campaign manager – said: “Ahmad is the favourite to retain the position of CAF president. We are glad to announce that we have the backing of the majority associations. Ahmad’s work has done the talking.
“In the short period he has been in charge
of continental football, Ahmad has managed to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 24 teams instead of 16. That’s a football decision as that guarantees significant participation by several countries for continental honours. He has also brought the Women’s CAF Champions League, promoting the girl child and is also advocating for equal pay for females and their male counterparts.”
Chiyangwa was Ahmad’s campaign manager in 2017 when he outsmarted longserving Cameroonian Issa Hayatou to take over the seat.