South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has donated $10 million to support the development of school football in Africa. The donation was made through the Motsepe Foundation and announced by the mogul during his visit to Cote d’Ivoire.
The $10-million donation will be used to help grow school football in the six geographic zones of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Motsepe said the donation is an investment in African talent.
He further noted that one of the best ways to ensure that African football ranks among the best and most self-sustaining in the world is to invest in school and youth football development. This falls in line with his promise to promote investment in football infrastructure for boys and girls at the club and national level during his CAF presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauded Motsepe’s commitment and praised him for giving hope to millions of children.
He agreed that schools are the primary source of global football talent and an important social vehicle for promoting life values.
“Football values, which include respect, discipline, teamwork and fair play, are perfect complements for the education of future generations, and FIFA is delighted to be part of this important initiative, together with CAF, for the benefit of youths in Africa,” Infantino said.
Mostsepe’s philanthropy extends beyond sport. Through his foundation, the billionaire donates to efforts to alleviate poverty and to sustainably improve the living standards of the poor, the unemployed and the marginalized in Africa.
The Motsepe Foundation recently partnered with the Milken Institute, a non-profit independent economic think-tank based in the United States, to launch the $2-million AgriTech Prize program, which will include technology competitions in agriculture, energy, education and health.
