On Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Abidjan-Cocody, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, and CAF Secretary General, Veron Mosengo-Omba, were respectively awarded the titles of Commander and Officer in Côte d'Ivoire's National Order. This recognition was granted for their personal contributions and efforts that helped make the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire a global success, not only in terms of sports but also in terms of organization and management.

The honors were bestowed by the Grand Chancellor of the National Order, Ally Coulibaly, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara. Other notable attendees included Adjé Silas Metch, the Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister in charge of Sports and Environmental Affairs.

According to Ally Coulibaly, "Côte d'Ivoire, which knows how to remember, will never forget that Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF, was a crucial and decisive asset in the organization of this AFCON 2023, which will be remembered as the most beautiful ever held on the continent."

"The men we honor today are great Africans. They are also individuals whose names will forever be linked to one of the most glorious chapters in our country's history: the organization of the Africa Cup of Nations," Ally Coulibaly added.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating that he was "receiving it on behalf of the 54 African Nations that make up CAF." He also emphasized that football is a powerful driver of economic and social development and an instrument of peace.

Motsepe concluded by expressing his pride in "these moments of victory that Côte d'Ivoire has shown the world."

 MC