Issa Hayatou says he respects Ahmad Ahmad's decision to stand for the CAF presidential elections to be held in Ethiopia next month.

This comes after COSAFA endorsed Ahmad from Madagascar as their preferred candidate to contest for the position of CAF president during the elections in Addis Ababa next month.

The decision was taken during the COSAFA meeting held in Johannesburg this past weekend. The president of the Madagascar football association has already expressed his desire to challenge Hayatou who has been at the helm of CAF since 1988.

Speaking soon after the CAF Super Cup presentation in Tshwane on Saturday, Hayatou - who is seeking his eighth term - appeared unfazed by the challenge posed by Ahmed ahead of the elections.

"If decided to be candidate [sic] it means he thinks he has some chances," said Hayatou.

The Cameroonian, who was elected unopposed during the last CAF presidential elections, says he is not doing any special preparations ahead of the vote.

"I am not preparing particularly, I am a fair player," said Hayatou.