By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Hayatou is confident about his record

Caf President Issa Hayatou believes he still has widespread continental support to implement his vision for the progress of African football.

"I think people listen, understand and they follow [my plans for Africa].

"There is unity in that aspect," the Caf president told BBC Sport in Johannesburg.

"This is what has put African football where it is today."

Hayatou, in his 15th year as Caf boss, will be seeking another term in office at Caf's general assembly in 2004.

People listen, understand and follow my plans for Africa Issa Hayatou

Botswana's Ismail Bhamjee, who will stand against the incumbent president, said "African football has been split" and needs a change of leadership.

Bhamjee blows his own trumpet

But the confident Cameroonian insists the pre-election brouhaha is a 'storm in a teacup.'

"Of course, when it comes to elections, everybody will split up for a short time and will support one candidate or another.

"But when it comes to defending Africa's football interests, we are all united."

Hayatou said Caf's recent decision to establish football academies in every region of the continent is his "most significant achievement" in office.

Bhamjee (left) is challenging Hayatou for the leadership

"I created the Champions League and changed the formula for the African Cup of Nations from eight to 12 and then 16 teams.

"I have also started competitions for the Under-17, Under-20 and the women.

"But the creation of academies in Zambia, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, which covers our six zones, is the most significant achievement in my 15 years in office," Hayatou said.

The president said the plan fulfils an important Caf obligation to African youth.

"Our mission is to develop football and we need these academies to train coaches, administrators, referees, medical and other technical personnel.

"These academies will help train our young and make them better footballers."

You can listen to the interview with Issa Hayatou on Friday Fast Track, on the BBC's World Service for Africa at 1630 and 1830 GMT.