TheCable

Patrice Motsepe, Mamelodi Sundowns owner, is a frontrunner to take over as Confederation of African Football (CAF) president as one of his main opponents has withdrawn from the race.

The CAF presidential election is billed to hold in Rabat, Morocco, on March 12.

Jacques Anouma, honourary Ivory Coast FA president, announced on Friday that he was stepping down for Motsepe.

Anouma is expected to exchange his candidature for the post of special adviser.

“After several reflections and consultations, I decided to give up my candidacy for the election to the presidency of CAF,” Anouma told an Ivorian TV programme.

“By achieving this sacred union of the best African wills around the CAF, with a common agenda, we can contribute together to its recovery. I will do so with the experience that is mine, always concerned about the interests of Ivory Coast and Africa.

“This is how I will put my unique experience of continental and world soccer at the service of the necessary reconstruction of African football and the upcoming organization of the Afcon 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.

“I believe in a united, strong and respected Africa of football. Tomorrow, I will therefore do everything to win alongside the next leading team, resulting from the agreements, the crucial victory of the rebirth of CAF.”

TheCable understands that two other candidates, Augustin Senghor and Ahmed Yahya of Senegal and Mauritania respectively, will sign an agreement to step aside for Motsepe on Saturday.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, is expected to be present at the agreement signing in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Both men are reported to be backing the South African billionaire, and are hoping to be compensated as CAF vice-presidents.

Motsepe is expected to succeed Ahmad Ahmad, who has been banned by FIFA for five years over “financial misconduct”.

If elected, Motsepe will become the first South African to head the continental football governing body.