By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Bhamjee believes he has the capacity to lead

Caf presidential candidate Ismail Bhamjee said he can heal the deep divisions in Africa's football community.

"We are not united at the moment, as there is a big split in African football and many people are demanding change," he told BBC Sport in Johannesburg, where he attended the African football awards.

"I really did not have the ambition to go for it (the presidency) but the events of the last two years have made me believe that we have got to save the situation."

The 59 year old Botswanan, who is president of the Confederation of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) said after 15 years in office, Caf president Issa Hayatou should make way for an infusion of fresh ideas from a new leader.

There is a big split in African football Ismail Bhamjee

"Mr Hayatou has been there for fifteen years and he has done a good job but when you have been in a position for so long, you lose sight of certain things.

"We must have a law in Caf's statutes that limits the tenure of a president to two terms of four years each," Bhamjee said.

The Cosafa president, who is a member of Caf's executive committee, insists his bid for the top job is not tainted by ill-will towards Hayatou.

Hayatou has led Caf since 1988

"In any democratic society, people must expect that they will be opposed.

"I have nothing personal against the president and I give him his due respect as the leader of African football," he said.

Bhamjee said his impressive record in the southern African region is indicative of the leadership that he can provide for the entire continent.

"I am not trying to blow my own trumpet but my region, Cosafa is the most active in the continent and we have raised the standard of football for the smaller countries.

"I believe I can do the same for the rest of Africa."