BRYMO'S TAKE

The dust is settling on AFCON 2023, and what a tournament it’s been! From nail-biting matches to passionate fans, the competition has been widely hailed as one of the best editions ever. But amidst the celebrations, a question lingers: how much credit does CAF president Patrice Motsepe deserve for this success?

Motsepe, a South African billionaire, took the helm of CAF in 2021, promising a new era of transparency, investment, and progress. He’s implemented several changes, including:

• Doubling prize money for AFCON teams: This aimed to attract stronger investment and professionalism in African football.
• Launching the African Football League: This continental club competition aims to elevate the quality of African club football and generate more revenue.
• Cracking down on corruption: He implemented reforms to address financial mismanagement and governance issues within CAF.

So, has Motsepe’s leadership truly transformed AFCON 2023? Here’s a closer look:

Reasons to be optimistic:

• AFCON 2023 has been widely praised: From organization and facilities to competitive matches, the tournament has been a spectacle. Could Motsepe’s focus on infrastructure and governance have played a role?
• Increased prize money might be a factor: The financial boost could have motivated teams to perform better, contributing to the tournament’s intensity.

But let’s not get carried away:

• Criticisms still exist: Refereeing decisions and certain match outcomes have sparked debate, raising questions about potential bias. Motsepe’s frequent attendance at South Africa’s games also drew criticism.
• Long-term impact remains to be seen: Judging Motsepe’s overall impact requires more time. The success of the African Football League and sustained improvements in CAF’s governance will be key factors.

The verdict?

It’s likely that multiple factors contributed to AFCON 2023’s success. While Motsepe’s initiatives might have played a part, attributing the entire triumph to him is a stretch. A longer evaluation period is needed to assess his true impact on CAF and African football.

What do you think? Has Motsepe revolutionized African football, or is AFCON 2023 a mere blip on the radar? Share your thoughts in the comments below!