Exit AFCON 2012, ENTER AFCON 2013

Let’s not forget that “Giants” Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa…didn’t make it to AFCON Gabon / Equatorial Guinea 2012

Depending on the AFCON 2013 Qualifiers 3rd Round Draw, I think at least one “Giant” will not make it to AFCON South Africa 2013.

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During the 31st CAF Ordinary General Assembly held in February 2009 in Lagos, Nigeria, CAF President Issa Hayatou was re-elected CAF President for another 4 years. His tenure was to last till 2013.

During the 34th CAF General Assembly held today in Gabon, the Assembly unanimously approved the extension of the mandate of CAF President Issa Hayatou till 2017. This means that Hayatou will be retained by popular acclamation at the 35th Ordinary General Assembly to be held in Morocco next year.

Hayatou defends poor Nations Cup crowds
10 February 2012 (AFP)

No force in the world can order fans to go to matches, Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), said here Friday.

Hayatou was defending CAF against criticism at some of the desperately low crowds seen at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

While bumper attendances turned up to follow co-hosts Gabon and Equatorial Guinea whenever they played, elsewhere it was a markedly different picture.

A paltry 132 fans went to the game between Sudan and Burkina Faso in the 30,000-seater Bata stadium, while the sight of row upon row of empty seats was an altogether too frequent sight at many other games.

But Hayatou said: “What can CAF do? We want stadia to be full but no force in the world can go into homes and tell people ‘Go the the stadium’.

“In Africa, but it must be the same in Europe, when the organising country’s team is knocked out, enthusiasm drops.

“Whilst these teams were still in it, we had full stadia.

“But from the moment when they were eliminated (at the quarter-final stage for both the co-hosts), people are disappointed.

“Neither the political power, nor the police, nor CAF, nor journalists can get people to go the stadium, let’s be realistic.”

He did however recognise that the problem needed to be addressed for forthcoming editions of the Nations Cup, with the next one in South Africa in 2013.

He suggested one way to solve the problem would be “to appeal to children in schools“.

Egypt got round the problem of low attendance when they hosted the 2006 edition by filling up their stadia with military personnel.

“But the press criticised that, saying ‘they weren’t fans’,” he explained.

“Like as if the military weren’t men. The Egyptian army paid for the tickets to give to the officers who went to the stadia.

“It’s always ‘fair game’ to attack Africa but there are other countries whose stadia are only two thirds full,” he concluded.

Do you agree with Mr. Hayatou? If not, what are your suggestions?

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confused,very confused Hayatou.I don’t know what caused those football gurus to extend the tenure of office for this failure guy.Let him retire and choose another person to control affairs of CAF.

Botswana is likely to face Malawi in the 3rd round. I pray that Botswana avoid Nigeria, Algeria, cameroon, Egypt and Zimbabwe. We do not have a good record against Zimbabwe at international level. We can handle the rest

REV, why do you think that Mr. Hayatou is confused?

The General Assembly supports President Hayatou
11 November 2012

Recalling that CAF, some times, doesn’t receive the expected considerations from some institutions.

Recalling also that the President of CAF was a target of an unpleasant campaign.

Stating the strategy which consists of using the African Sport Movement and its officials as scapegoats for those who try by all means to clear their conscience.

Declare without any reservation its total support to the President of CAF ISSA HAYATOU and to all officials of the African Sports Movement.

JOSEPH S. BLATTER for his continuous support in the development of Football in Africa and for his personal involvement in the fight against racism in football.

marco, be careful of what you wish for. Can you really handle the rest without your retired captain and other experienced players?

Botswana captain Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane (34) is set to announce his international retirement this week.

“I didn’t get a chance to call a presser when we came back from Gabon because I had to go into camp with my club,” said the SuperSport United player.

“But I’ll be issuing out a statement next week [This Week],” he told BBC Sport.

Coach Stanley Tshosane, who has been blamed by some within the squad for not taking their concerns over the bonus row seriously enough, has confirmed the impending news.

“He told me that after the Nations Cup, he would not continue playing for the national team,” Tshosane told BBC Sport

Meanwhile, it has emerged that other players within the Zebras squad are keen to step down from international football – including goalkeeper Modiri Marumo (35).

“A number of other players told me they were retiring after the Nations Cup, but it appears some of them will change their minds,” said the coach.

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