South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has thrown his support behind Confederation of African Football, CAF, President Patrice Motsepe as the man he believes should eventually succeed Gianni Infantino as president of world football governing body, FIFA.
McKenzie said the time had come for an African to lead world football, identifying South African businessman and football administrator Motsepe as the ideal candidate to take over when Infantino’s tenure comes to an end.
However, the South African minister stressed that he remains firmly behind Infantino completing his current term, urging African countries to continue supporting the FIFA president.
“There is no other person other than Gianni Infantino who should run FIFA than Dr Patrice Motsepe. Don’t look too far,” he told Sportsboom.
McKenzie’s comments come amid increasing debate over the future leadership of FIFA ahead of the next presidential election expected in 2027.
Infantino has indicated his intention to seek another term, while CAF has continued to maintain its support for the current FIFA president.
The South African Sports Minister believes Motsepe has the leadership credentials and experience required to take African football’s influence onto the global stage.
Motsepe has been president of CAF since 2021 and has remained one of the most influential figures in African football administration.
McKenzie’s endorsement could further fuel discussions about the possibility of an African eventually taking charge of FIFA.
McKenzie also made a bold claim about FIFA’s future, declaring that the organisation’s headquarters would eventually be located in South Africa.
“I can confirm the FIFA Head Offices will be in South Africa.”
The claim, however, remains subject to formal confirmation by FIFA.
Despite backing Motsepe as his preferred eventual successor to Infantino, McKenzie made it clear that South Africa is not withdrawing its support for the current FIFA president.
“I support Gianni Infantino, and I am urging all African countries: let us support the man who was always available to lead with us. South Africa is 100% behind him.”
McKenzie’s position presents a strong message from South Africa: support Infantino for the present, but prepare for a future in which an African could occupy the highest office in world football.
For Motsepe, who currently leads African football, such an endorsement could further strengthen speculation about his potential future role in the global game, although he has previously indicated that he remains focused on his responsibilities at CAF.
If Motsepe eventually decides to contest and wins the FIFA presidency, he would make history as the first African to lead world football’s governing body.
