Dr Patrice Motsepe was elected unopposed for a second term as President of Confederation of African Football (CAF) in March, a nod to the progress made since he first took office four years ago as he has proposed a new, ambitious target for the organization.

CAF, as with many sporting bodies around the world, has grappled with various challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ever-evolving manner in which fans consume sport, but is now arguably on its soundest footing for some time.

Motsepe has not been without his critics, but the proof of his impact is in the numbers.

CAF has managed to increase its annual subversions to Member Associations from $200,000 to $400,000 per annum, and to its six Zonal Unions from $500,000 to $750,000. That money is earmarked for football development.

Prize money across all CAF competitions is up, not least for women’s football, with CAF investing almost five times as much in the women’s game as at the start of his tenure.

Renewed sponsorships and record television audiences have been a driver behind improved revenue that is budgeted to take CAF forward in the 2024-25 financial year.

But, Motsepe says, this is just the beginning, and he has ambitious plans for his second term.

“The tender is open for the $1-billion contribution to African football over the next eight years and it’s going very well,” Motsepe said. “We have to comply with Comesa (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), because there are regulations in Comesa that you cannot conclude an agreement for more than four years.

“We don’t only have to comply but respect those regulations. Many of the partners we are talking to are saying, but president of CAF, you want $1-billion, we will give you $1-billion, but we need more years.

“The aim is to give every African nation $1-million (subversion) annually, starting in 2026.”

Having launched the CAF Women’s Champions League soon after taking office in 2021, Motsepe says the ladies’ game will continue to be a special focus.

“An African women’s national team may win the (FIFA) World Cup before a men’s national team,” he said. “Governments can help. The private sector. Half of our (African) population are women. Women’s football is about inspiring young girls.”