South Africa has thrown its weight behind Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe, as Africa’s preferred candidate to one day lead FIFA, signalling the continent’s growing ambition to play a greater role in global football governance.

If elected after FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s expected tenure ends in 2031, Motsepe would become the first African to head world football’s governing body in its 122-year history.

The endorsement was made by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who said Africa was united behind Motsepe as the continent’s choice to succeed Infantino, reports Business Insider.

“I don’t know if there’s anybody that will disagree with his name. As soon as the term is finished, we will all root for Patrice Motsepe to take over FIFA,” McKenzie told City AM.

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Motsepe, who has led CAF since 2021, has not publicly declared an intention to contest the FIFA presidency.

However, his leadership at the continental football body has strengthened speculation that he could emerge as a strong contender when the position becomes vacant.

His election would mark a historic milestone for African football, making him the first person from the continent to serve as FIFA president since the organisation was founded more than a century ago.

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