Confederation of African Football president Ahmad says he plans to engage former footballers to work with the continental body.

The new boss has revealed plans to involve Ghana legend Abedi Pele and many other retired footballers on the continent to develop the game.

The 57-year-old said talks have already been initiated for collaborations with iconic figures of the game as he bids to influence a positive change for the face of football during his tenure.

The COSAFA-endorsed Malagasy boos came into power when he unseated long-serving Cameroonian Issa Hayatou in the presidential election last month.

“I’ve spoken to (Didier) Drogba by telephone, I saw Abedi Pele, a colleague’s seen Samuel Eto’o, I talked to Patrick M’boma,” said Ahmad.

“Soon, we will organise a meeting with representatives of these African stars to discuss future collaborations with CAF.

“For example, at the next CAN under-17s (May 21st to June 4th, in Gabon) I would like to set up a sponsorship for players to come and talk with young people, give motivation and advice.”

On the other hand, CAF has been marred by allegations that the football governing body has not been transparent in its dealings.

“The change I can guarantee is at the level of financial management because perhaps for too long CAF is not at the (proper) standard, with lack of transparency,” adds the president.

“Bad governance, with interference in the making of decisions – all that is going to stop.”