CAF President Patrice Motsepe has praised Kenyan athletes for bringing pride to Africa, urging African footballers to follow their example. During a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Motsepe highlighted how Kenyan athletes, when excelling on the global stage, elevate not only Kenya’s image but also that of the entire African continent.
Motsepe expressed his desire to see African football reach similar heights, envisioning a future where football, like athletics, positions Africa prominently on the world map. He voiced strong confidence in Kenyan President William Ruto’s ability to transform the current state of football in the country.
“Look at the Kenyan athletes. When they win, they don’t just make Kenya proud; they make all Africans proud, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Dakar to Nairobi. It’s a moment of pride, and we want the same in football. As I leave, my impression is one of confidence because I trust President Ruto,” Motsepe stated.
He expressed optimism about Kenya’s potential to become one of the world’s great football nations, drawing inspiration from the passion he witnessed in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Kenya deserves to be one of the greatest football nations on the continent. When we were in Côte d’Ivoire, people were in the streets—young women and men, and even not so young—jumping, dancing, and singing because their team was playing and winning,” he said. “You feel so proud and emotional. As CAF president, I want all nations to win. I might not favor one nation over another, but Kenya should be winning.”
