COSAFA and ZIFA president, Philip Chiyangwa, has said he will not be intimidated by threats from Confederation of African Football (CAF) as he pushes for change in African football.

Chiyangwa and the COSAFA regional body are backing Mauritian FA president, Ahmad Ahmad, as he takes on current CAF president, Issa Hayatou, in next month’s presidential election.

Chiyangwa is Ahmad’s campaign manager and has been rallying support around the continent.

Seemingly irked by the growing threat, CAF wrote to Chiyangwa warning the Cosafa president about trying to ‘destabilise’ CAF by holding an unsanctioned meeting slated for Harare with national football association presidents outside of his COSAFA region.

However, Chiyangwa has remained defiant and argued that the gathering is to celebrate his birthday and appointment as COSAFA president. The event is set to be graced by FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, as the guest of honour.

“I am Ahmad’s campaign manager and after he was endorsed by the entire COSAFA region which I also lead and I think it is only normal that I fight for his interest because the mission is to ensure he gets the post that he is fighting for,” Chiyangwa told The Herald.

“But that has nothing to do with the birthday celebration that I am holding and the party for my victory in the Cosafa elections.”

Chiyangwa said he was keen on seeing the winds of change sweep through African football and would be the voice of the voiceless and believed Ahmad would improve the game of football on the continent.

Hayatou has ruled African football since 1988 and is seeking the 8th term in office.