January 26 – Senegal’s Augustin Senghor has taken the bold step of declaring himself as favourite to win the increasingly bitter election race to become the new Confederation of African (CAF) president in succession to the disgraced Ahmad Ahmad.
Senghor is one of only two contenders, along with and Ivory Coast’s Jacques Anouma, to have so far been rubber-stamped by CAF’s electoral committee to take over from Ahmad who was ruled out from running for a second term following his five-year ban by FIFA for corruption.
The lawyer, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), said his fellow federation presidents in Africa are impressed by his personal record, extensive experience and knowledge in managing the game.
Senghor has been in charge of his country’s federation for the past 12 years and insists he is out in front of Anouma as well as his other potential competitors, Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania and South African businessman Patrice Motsepe.
A member of CAF’s Executive Committee since 2019, he became the final candidate to put himself forward but is confident the last shall end up first.
Senghor told a press conference after the General Assembly of the West African Football Union Zone A last weekend that he took time to reflect on the decision to contest the election which will be held in Rabat in March.
”Often, I give myself time to think things through, I don’t make up my mind quickly. But when I decide to go, I go all out, and that’s why I present myself as a favourite of this election through my projects and my experience, ” he said in the presence of officials from Guinea, Cape Verde, Liberia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Sierra Leone.
“I am the one with whom FIFA can work to develop African football.”
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