Challenge to Hayatou good for African football

EDITOR — CAF president Issa Hayatou has always had a weakness, that is a bias against so-called English-speaking countries on the continent’s football arena. This is coupled by an aversion for southern most countries.

What has resulted because of this, is a negative effect, if not a complicit and barely hidden interference in the outcome of matches and tournaments on the continent.

In short, there is a lot of corruption going on at CAF that if investigated might surpass what was exposed at FIFA under Sepp Blatter.

New leadership is therefore necessary at CAF for the future and good of the beautiful game in Africa. If this is to come about, then maybe there might be a paradigm shift in football fortunes for countries in East and Southern Africa. It is imperative that the development of African football happens in a manner that promotes all regions. The World Cup is being expanded to 48 teams, which means more African teams will have a chance to participate at the tournament. That being the case, we need standards of African football to rise so that our teams can perform well on the world stage.

Philip Chiyangwa is right in terms of supporting a different candidate for the CAF presidency. The focus, however, should be on working for the good of football.

Chiyangwa must also focus on developing football in Zimbabwe not just focusing on gaining prestige at continental and international bodies. I understand that building relationships is important, but it should not be done at the cost of the local game. Raymond Rukweza, Via e-mail.