The architect behind this grand project is none other one of Africa’s richest sons and CAF president, Patrice Motsepe.
When the idea was mooted, it was a foregone conclusion that the tournament will become a reality. After all, what Patrice wants, Patrice gets. The Africa Super League has been hailed, primarily by Patrice himself, as a firm foot forward for the game on the continent.
But did the CAF executive committee thoroughly interrogate this idea? Is it the best under the sun as presented by Patrice? It would appear the idea sailed through as it doesn’t look like Patrice has any opposition within CAF.
He is just too powerful for the many mere mortals who congregate around him for CAF meetings and decisions. Right from his election, where his opponents dropped out of the race like flies, Patrice wields unlimited power and influence.
While the buck stops with Patrice as the man who holds the most powerful football position in Africa, diverse views and opinions are perfect ingredients in a democratic set-up. It is not that Patrice is a dictator, but it appears the football people simply cow when confronted by his colossal financial figure. They literally worship and kiss the ground he walks on.
I was part of meetings addressed by Patrice when he came to Gaborone not too long ago, and most of the time it was nods in unison and relentless applause. The attendees were simply in awe, and some couldn’t believe they were sharing a room with the mining magnate whose net worth is around $2.8billion.
With such a profile, CAF members will be forgiven for being yes men and women; it cannot be Patrice’s fault. With such a profile, how will they question whatever idea the South African billionaire throws on the table?
How did they fail to ask Patrice the reason why the supposed mega-money that will be poured into the Africa Super League, was not channeled towards strengthening already existing competitions like the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Cup. Clubs are still struggling to fulfill CAF club competitions, with the recent withdrawal of Security Systems evidence of how taxing the tournaments can be.
How did grown up men and women in the CAF committee fail to interrogate Patrice on the great divide that will result from this competition? The gap between ‘the haves’ and ‘have nots’ is going to widen considerably.
Most of the 24 clubs picked to participate in the Africa Super Cup are already cash-rich and will further move away from the rest of the hoi polloi with more money coming their way. It’s a competition that encourages exclusion more than inclusion.
We are told CAF is $50million in arrears, so where will all the money to bankroll the tournament come from? If indeed CAF is in a deficit, how then does Patrice justify such a situation given his background as an astute, accomplished businessman? All in the meanwhile, the men and women who attend CAF meetings are more obsessed with posing for a selfie with Patrice.
All they do, it appears, is to rubber stamp Patrice’s ideas. Patrice is too powerful for the game and this can have a damaging impact. A leader should be treated as an equal to ensure that there is a level ground when discussing football matters, not the apparent one-sided affair at CAF. An all-too powerful Patrice cannot be good for the game.
