CAF to hold election congress in Morocco

11 April 2012 - 09:36
By Ramatsiyi Moholoa

IN A DRAMATIC turn of events, South Africa has lost out on hosting the 2013 CAF congress to elect new leaders.

For the first time since the 1996 Afcon finals held in South Africa, the congress will not be linked to the tournament.

CAF first deputy president Suketu Patel confirmed the congress will be in Morocco.

"After it became clear Libya wouldn't be able to host the tournament, we were approached by Morocco saying they want to host the congress," he said.

"There is nothing sinister (about) the decision. Safa were also informed that the congress is not coming to this country."

Safa deputy president Mandla "Shoes" Mazibuko said they were not worried that the congress would not be held in South Africa.

"CAF approached us during the 2012 Afcon finals in Equatorial Guinea to explain that the congress will not be linked to the tournament in 2013. The argument was that hosting the congress was not as big as the tournament itself, hence it will remain in Morocco," he said. "We are happy with the explanation from CAF and are working hard to deliver a successful tournament."