CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe is under no illusions that African clubs can pay big wages better than some countries in Europe.
In a bold move to retain top African talent, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has vowed to ensure that African clubs can offer competitive salaries to players, rivalling even some of the top European leagues.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Patrice Motsepe continues to champion financial freedom for football players and teams in Africa since he assumed office as the leader of the continent’s football governing body.
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Motsepe on African wages
According to South Africa-based Soccer Laduma, the seasoned administrator spoke at a recent outing in Angola, where he shared his first-hand experience while at South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns
Speaking to members of the media, Motsepe stated, "What we have to do is show the players that we can pay them very well and compete with some of the European countries."
He acknowledged that while the "big, big leagues" can offer "big, big money," CAF is determined to ensure that between 60% to 80% of African players playing outside the continent can earn salaries that match or even exceed what they would receive in Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
Motsepe's comments reflect a strategic shift in CAF's approach to player retention, recognising the need to provide lucrative financial incentives to keep African talent from being lured away by the allure of European clubs.
"We used to see how much the highest-paid players get in Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and many other countries, and we could compete and pay our African players more than what they were getting in those countries," Motsepe said, emphasising CAF's commitment to ensuring that African players are adequately compensated.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as the exodus of African footballers to European leagues has been a long-standing concern for the continent's football governing body.
By pledging to match or even surpass the salaries offered in Scandinavia, Motsepe hopes to create an environment where African players can thrive and develop their skills within the continent, while also providing them with the financial security they deserve even after retirement.
The implementation of this plan will represent a significant step towards empowering African football and retaining its brightest talents on the global stage.
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