South African billionaire elected unopposed as 7th CAF president

Dr Patrice Motsepe [Photo: Courtesy]

South Africa's billionaire Dr Patrice Motsepe was elected unopposed as CAF president in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

Dr Motsepe becomes the seventh head to occupy the position of CAF President after the polls in the 43rd CAF General Assembly meeting.

“I’m absolutely confident that working together we will indeed succeed to make African football to be amongst the best in the world,” the business mogul said in his acceptance speech.

Motsepe, who replaces outgoing Ahmad Ahmad, is the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns FC, a Premier league football club in South Africa.

“Mamelodi Sundowns sends its congratulations & best wishes to Dr Patrice Motsepe after being elected CAF President Mamelodi Sundowns supports you in all your endeavours,” Mamelodi Sundowns tweeted.

Mamelodi Sundown's tweet. [Photo: Twitter]

Motsepe bought a 37% stake in the Blue Bulls Co in 2019. The other major shareholders are Remgro (37%) and Blue Bulls Rugby Union (26%).

Motsepe was named South Africa's richest man in 2012, topping the Sunday Times' annual Rich List with an estimated fortune of (Sh110 billion).

In 2013, he joined The Giving Pledge, committing to give half of his wealth to charitable causes.

Motsepe, founder and chairman of African Rainbow Minerals Ltd., listens during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. [Photo: Courtesy]