He became the most powerful man in African football without a single vote against him. On 12 March 2021, Patrice Motsepe took office as president of the Confederation of African Football after the other candidates withdrew. In March 2025, he was re-elected unopposed, extending his presidency to 2029.
A lawyer turned miner
Motsepe trained as a lawyer and became the first Black partner at a major Johannesburg law firm. In the 1990s, after the end of apartheid, he moved into mining, buying marginal gold mine shafts and turning them profitable. His business grew into one of South Africa’s leading mining groups, and he became one of Africa’s richest people.
Black economic empowerment
Motsepe’s rise was part of post-apartheid South Africa’s push for Black ownership in the economy. He became a prominent symbol of Black business success and a significant donor to charity, including a pledge to give away much of his wealth.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Motsepe bought Mamelodi Sundowns, a club from the Pretoria township of Mamelodi. Under his ownership, Sundowns became the dominant force in South African football, winning league title after league title, and became one of Africa’s strongest clubs, winning the CAF Champions League in 2016.
CAF presidency
Motsepe replaced Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar, who had been suspended by FIFA over financial misconduct. Motsepe promised to clean up CAF’s governance, improve its finances and raise the standard of African football.
The African Football League
Under Motsepe, CAF launched the African Football League, a competition for the continent’s top clubs, with large prize money. The project was backed by FIFA.
Tournaments and finances
His presidency has dealt with challenges including the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations, stadium standards and sponsorship. He has spoken about making African competitions more commercially attractive.
Family ties
Motsepe is the brother-in-law of South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, whose wife Tshepo Motsepe is his sister. His sister Bridgette Radebe is also a mining businesswoman.
Criticism
Critics have questioned whether a club owner should lead the continental body, given Sundowns’ participation in CAF competitions. Motsepe has said he keeps his roles separate.
Motsepe built a fortune from mines others thought worthless. His next challenge is to show that African football’s governing body, long troubled by scandals, can be run as well as one of his businesses.
