South Africa's Patrice Motsepe is the new president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) after being elected unopposed on Friday.
The 59-year-old's path to the presidency was cleared over the last week when his rival candidates for the presidency withdrew from the race, while another rival - Madagascar's Ahmad - was barred from running.
Addressing a gathering of Africa's member associations at the elections venue in the Moroccan capital Rabat, Motsepe stressed his belief in how unity can herald a new era for African football.
"It's a huge honour and privilege for me [to be Caf president]," said Motsepe, Africa's ninth-richest person according to Forbes magazine.
"Let me thank my brother [Fifa president] Gianni [Infantino] for the vision and encouragement of unity. We can only deal with the challenges of Africa and we will succeed, but we will only do so when we are united."
Motsepe then turned to Africa's assembled member association presidents and Executive Committee as he looked towards a brighter future.
"The leadership we have in Africa [and] the leadership we have of football in every country gives me confidence and inspires me.
"I am absolutely confident that by working together, we will indeed succeed to make African football not just reach the summit but be amongst the best in the world."
Motsepe, the owner of 2016 African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa's most successful teams, has previously spoken of his desire to see an African team win the World Cup.
During the General Assembly, the 52 members present - with Chad, whose FA was dissolved by the government on Thursday, and Eritrea the only countries failing to attend - voted to expand the number of Caf vice-presidents from three to five.
Latest Stories
-
Boeing strike ends as workers accept new contract
33 mins -
GAF will not relent in its quest to counter external threats – GOC Southern Command
37 mins -
Election 2024: Bawumia reiterates commitment to promote sustainable mining practices
38 mins -
Ensign Global College promotes health and community well-being at Ngmayem Festival 2024
40 mins -
Bobrisky reveals reason for leaving Nigeria
1 hour -
Tiwa Savage discloses ‘craziest thing I’ve ever done for love’
1 hour -
US states worried about election unrest take security precautions
2 hours -
Modi condemns violence after Canada temple incident
2 hours -
Barcelona hit by new flood as rescuers search Valencia basement car park
2 hours -
Labadi Beach Hotel pays over GH¢16m as dividend to SSNIT
2 hours -
Elon Musk can keep giving $1m to voters, judge rules
2 hours -
Election must not divide us, government will protect each citizen – Akufo Addo
3 hours -
Novel way to beat dengue: Deaf mosquitoes stop having sex
3 hours -
Trial begins over beheading of teacher who showed Prophet Muhammed cartoon
3 hours -
‘See you soon’ – Bobrisky jets out of Nigeria
3 hours