BY MITCHELL OBI
Now we know clearly and unquestionably know who holds the treasured keys to the corridor and palace of CAF power.
Fouzi Lekjaa is more than a politician and beyond the resources and royalty padding him and his office, he should have a reputational religion that helps him win many souls in the African soccer kingdom.
His stupendous vote return in the election must provide material for students of African football politics.
And the thrust will be not on those who supported his candidacy for the FIFA Council but on the five gracious votes that denied him a total clean sweep.
His 49 votes were indeed a staggering return and anyone who aspires to be involved in the politics of the game today should have the blessing of Lekjaa…
Not loud, not ambitious, almost self-effacing with a dutiful bent, this Moroccan football lord has stirred up a new brand of bridge building that is simply engaging and perhaps enduring.
He goes into the FIFA Council with a voice that must be listened to at all times till 2030.
And if anyone may ask is this truly positive, does this commanding influence add value to the game in the continent and above all, is it not better to win votes in an election than this syndrome of contrapted acclamation which denies democratic choices.
For now, it is fair to say that the CAF elections today have provided us with a new visage of football leadership…diligence will always breed prominence.
