CAF president Patrice Motsepe continues to make his mark around the continent as he has been bestowed with yet another prestigious award.
The influential South African met with Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara who gave him the 'Commander of National Order' award which is recognised in the country as the highest state honour.
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Motsepe was recognised by Ouattara for playing a key role not only in the successful delivery of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations and for changing the face and fortunes of African Football.
The Award by the Ivorian Government is also in recognition of his commitment and leadership for delivering the most successful AFCON edition in history.
Dr Patrice Motsepe a été élevé au rang de Commandant de l'Ordre du Mérite par le Président de la République de Côte d'Ivoire, SEM Alassane Ouattara, ce jeudi. De son côté, Véron Mosengo-Omba a été décoré Officier de l'Ordre du Mérite. pic.twitter.com/suadrzeqwM
— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) September 12, 2024
"We are exceptionally proud of the work President Motsepe has done since taking over at CAF. The success of the Africa Cup of Nations is thanks to his and CAF's leadership," Ouattara said per CAFonline.
"The Award is in recognition of the excellent work he is doing at CAF and in promoting football development in Africa."
Motsepe, meanwhile, was honoured by the recognition and vowed to continue enhancing football on the continent.
""I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this Award on behalf of the CAF Member Associations representing the 54 African countries that are Members of CAF," the South African said.
"My deepest gratitude to President Ouattara, the Government and people of Cote d'Ivoire for this distinguished Award."
"The TotalEnergies AFCON Cote d'Ivoire was also an excellent example of football's capacity to bring together and unite people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds in Africa and worldwide," he added.
"The 1.4 billion people in 180 countries who watched the TotalEnergies AFCON Cote d'Ivoire clearly indicates that African football is globally competitive and is as good as the best in the world.
"We will continue to invest in academies for boys and girls, schools football, trainers and coaches, the building of stadiums and other football infrastructure and facilities and support our Member Associations."
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