Patrice Motsepe has been lauded for being at the forefront of what will go down as the most impressive AFCON tournament ever.
Six venues in five cities were used for the 34th edition of the tournament which had both its opening and final match at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan.
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Host nation Cote d'Ivoire rose from the death to emerge as champions for the second time in the last decade and third overall earning USD7 million (approx. R133 million).
"It was an amazing tournament right from the opening ceremony because I was just blown off by what I saw at that stadium that day," says Manuel 'Tico-Tico' Bucuane who was sent to the tournament by CAF on an ambassador role based on his homeland Mozambique's qualification.
Tico-Tico earned legendary status for scoring over 100 goals playing for South African clubs while also surpassing 100 caps for the national team.
"The whole organisation was perfect especially for me since I was based in Abidjan where Mozambique's group was played.
"I also travelled to Yamoussoukro since there were flights and buses available to travel to any game of your choice during our stay there.
"The benefit with me was that I was in capital and the CAF office was in our hotel, so it was all smooth.
"What impressed me was that the infrastructure was top notch with wonderful stadiums that made playing football enjoyable for the players.
"This then meant the level of the product on the field was good on the eye which is why we saw a lot of goals.
"Then there was the case of how seamless the VAR worked at the tournament with no issues about the officiating.
"I don't think it is being exaggerated that this was the best AFCON ever.
"With that I say credit to the CAF president Patrice Motsepe for his efforts in making the tournament what it eventually turned to be.
"Motsepe has done a great job for the continent in improving the game from what it was.
"The way our football has grown shows what Motsepe has done at Sundowns where it is all clear that they are the dominant club.
"It was a pity that the tournament was played in a hot and humid country which made it difficult.
"I was with Shaba (Siphiwe Tshabalala) for the group stages, and we travelled back together on the same flight and I'm sure he shares the same sentiments even though in the smaller towns they had to build villages for the players.
"The beauty about this whole experience was that the people of Cote d'Ivoire were welcoming," says Tico-Tico while sharing his thoughts on Bafana Bafana.
Hugo Broos' men finished third after arriving with a squad of 10 players from Mamelodi Sundowns.
"With regards to Bafana, I give credit to Hugo Broos for being smart enough to select his core from Sundowns.
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"Sundowns players are used to playing at that level and good enough to be playing overseas.
"From what we saw at the tournament, you couldn't differentiate on who is playing for clubs in Europe or for Sundowns," adds the legendary forward.