Mamelodi Sundowns could lose Patrice Motsepe as billionaire owner runs for CAF presidency

Defending DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns could soon have their president, Patrice Motsepe, step down.

The billionaire businessman is expected to be confirmed as a surprise candidate for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidency on Monday.

CAF PRESIDENCY PICTURE HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY

After initial indication that current president Ahmad Ahmad would run unopposed for re-election, the picture has changed dramatically over the past few days.

According to the KickOff website, ahead of Thursday’s deadline for applications, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) endorsed the bid of Jacques Anouma as a candidate for the role.

Motsepe, 58, has now joined the race with a press conference between South African Football Federation (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan and South African Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa set to confirm his candidacy.

Should the Madagascar-born Ahmad confirmed that he will seek re-election, but the highly publicised PWC Audit exposing the financial irregularities at CAF has thrown the race wide open for Anouma, and now Motsepe.

Should Motsepe win the election, he would have to step down from his role as president of the 10-time PSL winners.

Sundowns, despite losing the services of coach Pitso Mosimane, are currently top of the DStv Premiership standings after three matches of the new season.

After the international break ahead, they are next in action against AmaZulu on November 22.