Our Destiny Should Be In Our Hands, Says Hayatou

In apparent reference to the alleged support of FIFA president to Ahmad of Madagascar in the CAF elections that will commence soon, CAF President, Issa Hayatou has called on delegates not to allow external influence.

Mitchell Obi, AIPS Africa boss who is in the Plenary Hall of AU, venue of the event, reports that Hayatou, while paying tributes to the past presidents of CAF, insisted that Africans must define their destiny.

Recalling the great moments of African football on the global front, he remarked that CAF has engineered a new cycle of funding which has increased the finances for the development of the game.

“This is part of the inspirations that led to the creation of the African Nations Championships (CHAN).”

After Hayatou, the president of AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, took the podium.

He spoke about the relationship CAF and AU describing it as historic. “CAF has been in the forefront of the liberation fight in the continent”, His Excellency Mahamat remarked. He acknowledged the promotion of culture, social values with the solid support of CAF, using the Nations Cup to propagate messages of relevant social issues that affect the continent.

After him spoke the Ethiopian president, Mulatu Teshome who welcomed delegates and recalled the historic role his country played in the foundation of CAF 60 years ago.

He then declared the assembly open before taking his exit from the hall.