Patrice Motsepe explains CAF's new R7 billion Total Energies deal

Motsepe signed the new deal, estimated at worth $375million (R7 billion) for the next three years, alongside Total Energies chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania, yesterday. 

The new deal will cover 12 CAF competitions, including the men’s, women’s and junior Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, the flagship men’s inter-club competitions, and the African Schools Football Championship.

Motsepe says there were other companies offering more money, but CAF’s long-standing relationship with the petroleum giants was key to the extension of their partnership.

"It's not just the money, it's what Total Energies represents. It's what you represent, Patrick [Pouyanné] – he's correct in saying we were offered more money, but it's what we stand for," said Motsepe.

"It's about what the partnership means for many more years to come, and Total Energies is an important company for Africa, that's why we decided to go with you because it's not just about me.

"When I'm gone, and I'm not [CAF] president anymore, I'd like to see those who come after me continue working with Total Energies and what they stand for." 

The partnership between the two entities started in 2016, with an initial eight-year deal across 10 competitions, and was reportedly worth $250 million (R3.6 billion at the time). 

Total Energies, who conduct business in over 30 of the 54 countries on the African continent, initially hoped for another long-term deal, but the South African mining mogul prefers short-term deals, according to Pouyanné.

"Thank you to Patrice for his trust again. I think we have done something well and we will continue, and I have tried to convince him for eight years, but he loves to negotiate every four years," joked the CEO.

"In fact, no, he began two years before, so it's quite a long discussion. Now I understand why he's such a very successful businessman, I've learnt from him."

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