South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, who also serves as president of the Confedération Africaine de Football (CAF), has donated $10 million to support this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championships. The contribution, made through the Motsepe Foundation, underscores his commitment to empowering young people across Africa through sport and education.
The R200 million ($10 million) pledge is one of the largest ever made to grassroots football on the continent. Through the Motsepe Foundation, which focuses on improving lives and strengthening communities, the donation aims to support youth development, especially in underserved areas. It also signals a strong belief in the role of football as a force for unity, opportunity, and long-term change.
The funding will go a long way in shaping the future of the CAF African Schools Football Championships—an initiative that not only promotes football at the grassroots level but also invests in schools and communities.
Prize money funds sports, legacy projects
The prize money includes R6 million ($300,000) for the winners, R4 million ($200,000) for runners-up, and R3 million ($150,000) for third-placed teams in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions. Beyond trophies and medals, the funds will support legacy projects such as school renovations and community initiatives that leave a lasting impact.
But the tournament is about much more than just football. It provides a vital platform for young athletes to grow—on and off the field. With backing from the Motsepe Foundation, this year’s edition also includes life skills programs focused on leadership, teamwork, and discipline. It’s a holistic approach that aligns with CAF and FIFA’s shared vision of using football to drive education and social development.
Patrice Motsepe has often spoken about the transformative potential of youth sports. “The best investment we can make to ensure that African football is among the best in the world is to invest in schools’ football and youth development,” he said. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has commended the initiative for instilling core values like respect and fair play among young players.
Giving back, the ‘Ubuntu’ way
Motsepe’s philanthropy is well known, and this donation is just one chapter in a long story of giving. In 2013, he and his family became the first Africans to join the Giving Pledge—committing to donate the majority of their wealth to causes that uplift others. The spirit of giving, inspired by the African philosophy of “Ubuntu,” has shaped many of the foundation’s efforts over the years.
In 2024, Motsepe gave $1.55 million to help cover student registration fees and settle historical debts for 26 university student representative councils (SRCs) across South Africa. This echoed a similar gesture in 2023 when he donated R30 million ($1.64 million) to the same group of institutions, drawing praise from grateful students who saw it as a lifeline in difficult times.
Motsepe has also stepped in during national emergencies. After floods devastated parts of KwaZulu-Natal in 2022, he pledged R30 million ($2.04 million at the time) to assist affected families—yet another sign of his deep-rooted commitment to helping communities in need.
Source: Billionaires Africa / Digpu NewsTex