It’s time Hayatou takes his afternoon naps at home and not at football events

IN 1988, Issa Hayatou pitched a tent in Caf ’s highest office and has not moved an inch.

The man has barely even gone on vacation, afraid that while he is away there will be some sort of coup to oust him as Caf president. A middle-distance runner during his days as an athlete, Hayatou seems determined not to change the status quo even as an administrator, although his near 30-year reign means his stamina is unprecedented.

There is hope now that all this could change in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, tomorrow when Hayatou stands for re-election, with little known Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar looking to unseat the 70-yearold.

Africa is seldom a beckon of optimism when it comes to relinquishing any position of power, with greed, desire and corruption usually standard practice, but already several federations – even those who are founding members of Caf – are adamant that a new broom should be installed to sweep clean. Many speak highly of Hayatou. And his administration’s success in as far as increasing the number of teams in the Africa Cup of Nations from eight to 16, championing the push for the continent to have five slots at the World Cup, the addition of several new continental tournaments and the recent cash injection proves that he has earned the respect.

However, after three decades of barking orders and calling the shots, Africa needs “fresh ideas”. Samuel Eto’o, who does not have a say in who becomes the next Caf president but is a legend of the game and Hayatou’s Cameroonian compatriot, has been making a noise about why the old man needs to say his goodbyes this week.

“Issa Hayatou has done a lot for African football. And I think he thinks of his own succession (in order) to perpetuate the good work he has done. However, no institution resists the laws of cycles and change,” Eto’o told Francophone website Jeune Afrique.

“We should bring more freshness to open up other horizons. Without denying what has been done, these changes could prolong and improve what has been accomplished. Look at Fifa, the arrival of Gianni Infantino in the presidency has rebooted innovation, without making the institution tumble. Trying to do something else at the head of Caf is not a bad idea.”

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan star striker isn’t the only one with these strong views. The fact that Hayatou has made a few trips around the continent to canvass support is evidence that tomorrow’s elections in Ethiopia could be the most hotly contested since he became only the fifth Caf president in the history of the governing body.

His challenger, Ahmad, also the president of the Madagascan FA, has those who want change eating from the palms of his hands.

“We need change in refereeing, officiating and the way we train our coaches. We can’t organise a coaching licence course in 15, 10 days. The certificate is just to help you get work. Our technical development must change,” he said in his recent visit to Nigeria ahead of the Caf presidential vote.

He is no outsider either, as a current executive member within Caf and knows exactly what change to enforce.

It is time for Hayatou to take his afternoon naps at home, and not football events.