Patrice Motsepe will not seek a third term as CAF president in 2029
via SeneNews7 min read
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football CAF, announced on Wednesday, July 23, 2026, during a press conference in Johannesburg, that he will not run for a third term leading the continental body in 2029. Motsepe, who was re-elected in March 2025 for a second four-year term, stated, "By the next World Cup, I will no longer be at CAF. I will attend as a mere spectator." He also denied rumors of seeking the South African presidency, stating, "South Africa does not need me to get into politics," and dismissed any ambition to run for FIFA president. During the same conference, Motsepe confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations CAN will expand from 24 to 28 teams, starting with the next edition in 2027, which will be held in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
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Amadou Ba, a Pastef deputy, has openly criticized the government's management and its adherence to electoral deadlines, citing what he perceives as economic and political threats to Senegal. Ba's remarks follow a statement by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, interpreted by many as a jab at Ousmane Sonko, which Ba has now turned back on the President. Ba identified two main threats to Senegal's stability and good governance. The first, termed "economic fitna," involves entrusting public management to individuals previously accused of economic predation, while simultaneously blocking accountability for beneficiaries of hidden debt in favor of political opportunism. The second, labeled "political fitna," refers to subordinating the constitutional electoral calendar to calculations favoring a single political party, attempting to eliminate opponents by labeling them as violent, and imposing reconciliation without justice or reparations on victims of political repression, a practice he likens to the former regime.
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Must ReadMalian football is in mourning following the death of Kalilou Traoré, affectionately known as "Kati Kalou" by his fans. The former international player and bronze medalist at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations passed away at the age of 38 due to a road accident in Paris. Born on September 9, 1987, in Kati, Kalilou Traoré began his professional career with Real Bamako before moving to Morocco to play for Wydad Casablanca in 2006, with a loan spell at Hassania Agadir. His career then took him to Europe, first to NK Istra 1961 in Croatia, then to OB Odense in Denmark, before joining FC Sochaux-Montbéliard in France in 2012, where he concluded his playing career. Traoré earned 17 caps for the Mali Eagles between 2010 and 2013, scoring his only international goal in a qualifying match against Botswana. He was a key member of the Malian generation that made history by winning the bronze medal at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, an achievement that remains one of Mali's best continental results.