The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has received “Commander of the National Order” from the Ivorian Government for a good job done since assuming the position of CAF President.
This award being the highest Order in Ivory Coast was conferred on Dr. Motsepe not only for the key role he played in the successful delivery of the just ended TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations but also in changing the face and fortunes of African Football.
In a statement published on Friday, September 13. 2024, President of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara noted that the Award is also to recognize the commitment and leadership style of Dr. Motsepe.
“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe was today conferred with the highest Award in Cote d’Ivoire, which is the “Commander of National Order” by the Head of State of Cote d’Ivoire” President Alassane Ouattara, and the Chancellor of National Orders in Abidjan.
“The Award by the Ivorian Government is also in recognition of Dr Motsepe’s commitment and leadership for delivering the most successful TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) in the history of this competition.
“We are exceptionally proud of the work President Motsepe has done since taking over at CAF. The success of the Africa Cup of Nations is thanks to his and CAF’s leadership. The Award is in recognition of the excellent work he is doing at CAF and in promoting football development in Africa.”
Dr. Motsepe thanked President Outtara and the Ivorian Government for the distinguished Award saying “Iam deeply honoured and humbled to receive this Award on behalf of the CAF Member Associations representing the 54 African countries that are Members of CAF. My deepest gratitude to President Ouattara, the Government and people of Cote d’Ivoire for this distinguished Award.
“The enormous success of the TotalEnergies AFCON Cote d’Ivoire was based on the visionary leadership of President Ouattara, the commitment of his Government as well as the support of CAF’s 54 Member Associations, the CAF EXCO, the Secretary General and staff of CAF, President Idriss Diallo, the LOC, the Football Leadership in Cote d’Ivoire, CAF sponsors and the passionate Cote d’Ivoire and African football supporters.
“The TotalEnergies AFCON Cote d’Ivoire was also an excellent example of football’s capacity to bring together and unit people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds in Africa and worldwide. The 1.4 billion people in 180 countries who watched the TotalEnergies AFCON Cote d’Ivoire clearly indicates that African football is globally competitive and is as good as the best in the world”.
Dr. Motsepe used the opportunity to pledge CAF’s support and investment in sports development in Africa saying “we will continue to invest in academies for boys and girls, schools football, trainers and coaches, the building of stadiums and other football infrastructure and facilities and support our Member Associations.”
The CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, who was also conferred with the “Officer of the National Order” Award thanked the Ivorian Government for his award.
