PHILIP Chiyangwa was not in the running for the CAF presidency in Addis Ababa on Thursday, but Ahmed Ahmad’s victory has positioned him as one of the most powerful people in African football.

It was Chiyangwa who took outgoing Issa Hayatou head on, declaring himself as Ahmed’s campaign manager.

In Ethiopia, Ahmed won by 34 votes against Hayatou’s 20, marking the end of the strong Cameroonian’s era who had been at the helm for decades.

The elections was a culmination of weeks of scheming and a lot of drama.

The feud between Chiyangwa and Hayatou first came to light when the CAF president raised concern to a BBC correspondent as to why Chiyangwa did not attend the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon.

The Gabon show was one last chance for Hayatou to meet all football federations and make sure his re-election was well in line.

Then, COSAFA announced that they would be supporting Ahmad for the presidency.

This was followed by a threat from CAF to Chiyangwa over his celebrations for being elected as COSAFA president and belated birthday.

CAF argued that Chiyangwa had no jurisdiction to gather association presidents without their knowledge, an indication that the gathering was largely viewed as one to gunner support for Ahmed.

Chiyangwa defied that, asking for an apology from CAF instead for making assumptions.

Those celebrations were attended by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino and several association presidents.

Of late there has been allegations raised against Hayatou, pointing that he may not be fit for office.

However, the allegations are still being looked into and FIFA said it was a bit late to raise the argument and stop Hayatou from contesting on Thursday.

But that won’t be necessary anymore. Atleast according to the victorious Chiyangwa camp.

Ahmed, Chiyangwa’s preferred candidate, on the other hand has promised to transform African football.

The reality however after this is that Chiyangwa, who is also the Zifa president, could now have big say in the future of African football.