Supporters believe the president of the Confederation of African Football could help revitalise the ruling party, which lost its parliamentary majority in 2024. Motsepe, however, maintains that he is not seeking political office, despite growing support for his candidacy.

A survey of 1,000 registered voters placed Motsepe ahead of other potential successors to President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose ANC leadership term ends in December 2027.

The mining billionaire, worth an estimated $3.6 billion, has never held public office. His supporters point to his success in transforming Mamelodi Sundowns football club and strengthening the Confederation of African Football’s finances.

Set The Portugal News as your preferred source for news on Google

GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google