The Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidential elections will take place on 12th March. And for Veteran journalist Mamadou Gaye, the West should not influence the voting. The journalist has thus urged delegates to be conscious while making their choice.

The tough-speaking scribe, who has covered African football and elections for the past three decades, spoke to Nairobi News ahead of the eagerly anticipated polls slated for 12th March in Rabat, Morocco.

“Poor Africa has become a mockery of the world. Because our (football) talents do not reach their potential. And our national teams fail to perform.” He said.

“No longer should Africa accept an imposed candidate to lead us. That is where our problems begin. Let us vote with our conscience. Let us attempt to liberate African football.”

The next Caf president will be voted in by the 54 African Football Association (FA) presidents including Kenya’s Nick Mwendwa.

But there are reports that football’s world governing body Fifa, which wields strong influence over the continent thanks to the millions of dollars in funding, retain a strong interest in the polls.

Five candidates namely incumbent Ahmad Ahmad, Senegal’s Augustin Senghor, Ivorian Jacques Anouma, Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya, and South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe have indicated an interest in becoming the next Caf president. Senghor and Anouma have since been cleared to run by the continental body’s governing committee. While Ahmad’s candidature remains in doubt considering a five-year ban that was recently slapped on him by Fifa.

Besides developing football, the next Caf boss will also be in charge of a multi-million dollar fund kitty from sponsorships and other funding.