CAF President Patrice Motsepe has described Morocco as his “second home” and said the country is playing an important role in the development of football across the African continent ahead of the Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations final today in Rabat.
“Now I am alongside my first vice-president, Fouzi Lekjaa, and this fills me with pride and honour,” Motsepe said in an interview with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
He explained that Lekjaa’s appointment wasn’t a coincidence but a result of serious thought. “When I asked the CAF Executive Committee to choose five vice-presidents, many names were proposed, but I was determined to pick the best. I am confident I chose the right man, and I believe most football associations in Africa agree with me.”
Motsepe was clearly impressed with Morocco’s handling of the tournament and how the country approaches football as a whole. “What we see clearly in Morocco is how His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the government, and the Moroccan people are united in advancing football.”
The CAF chief also said he’s looking forward to the next women’s tournament in Morocco and believes the country will do well hosting the next men’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“It will be a special day, and we will keep working to face the challenges ahead, starting with the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the biggest event – the upcoming men’s AFCON in Morocco, which will be a grand celebration of African football.”
Motsepe added that he was proud of how the continent is developing young talent and believes African football is entering a new phase. “Africa is entering a new era of football – one that unites nations and strengthens ties between countries,” he stressed.
The CAF president arrived at Rabat-Salé Airport on Tuesday to attend the final between Morocco and Tanzania at the Prince Moulay Abdellah indoor arena at 8 p.m. Moroccan time.
