Patrice Motsepe's Visit to Rabat for the CAF Champions League Final
Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), made a noteworthy appearance in Rabat on May 23, 2026, as he prepared to attend the highly anticipated second leg of the CAF Champions League final between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns. This prestigious match is set to take place on May 24 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, starting at 20:00 local time. Motsepe expressed his excitement about returning to Morocco, stating, "It feels good to be home; Morocco is my home. We are set for an exciting Champions League final featuring two of the continent's great clubs."
Motsepe highlighted the global reach of the final, noting that it would be broadcast in 100 countries, a significant achievement given that only 54 countries are part of the African continent. He remarked, "What makes me proud is that 100 countries worldwide will follow the final. This recognition reflects the evolving quality of club football in Africa." For the first time, the match will be aired live in Japan, South Korea, and China, showcasing the increasing interest in African football on a global scale.
Furthermore, he took a moment to extend his gratitude to King Mohammed VI, the Prime Minister, and the Moroccan government, acknowledging their support for football, clubs, and women's teams. Motsepe also conveyed his best wishes to the Moroccan national team, the Lions of the Atlas, as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup, stating, "They have made us proud in Qatar, and I am confident they will perform well in North America. I also want to express my support for the other nine African representatives in the tournament." He concluded by mentioning his return for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in about a week, emphasizing its importance as a breeding ground for the continent's football talent.
The first leg of the Champions League final had ended in a narrow victory for the Sundowns, with a score of 1-0, on May 17 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. As the final approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this year's tournament.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
