Motsepe – Many African countries can learn from Morocco

Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe says governments in other African countries need to focus on allocating more money towards their football, if they are to emulate Morocco, who reached the semifinals of the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

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The Atlas Lions’ success came off the back of heavy investment in football development by their government, headed by King Mohamed VI.

“There are a number of countries, sadly not many, in Africa that really invest in their football,” Motsepe told a press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

“I have been to see the facilities in Morocco, I feel very proud, but … we do need the partnership of the government and of the sports minuster. Morocco’s success is not by coincidence, it helps that they have a King that really loves football.

“I was really excited when I saaw videos of the King walking in the streets in Rabat after they won (their quarterfinal against Portugal). I want to encourage other heads of state to do the same, it is a unique moment in pride and patriotism.

“We don’t have the technology of many Western economies that have invested over many years, but on the pitch we can compete with the best. Algeria are also doing good work, and Egypt, and Ghana, and Senegal.”

Super League

Motsepe, meanwhile said that an African Super League was still in the pipeline but that if anything, Caf were struggling with too much interest from clubs on the continent.

“The problem we have is that there are too many anxious clubs,” said Motsepe.

“From day one when you participate in the Super League you get $2 million, to allow you hopefully to buy players as well. We want it to be the best of the best.

“If you take the exchange rate that is way above R35 million, it will also help with transport, in Africa that is a big challenge. But there are also some exciting things happening (there), concerning new airlines that will make it significantly quicker and better to travel on the continent. The problem is that too many teams all over the continent want to participate … but we have made very good progress and discussions have taken place.”