CAF invests in efforts to improve leadership of women’s football associations across Africa

CAF invests in efforts to improve leadership of women’s football associations across Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has continued its ongoing investment campaign into women’s football across the continent. The latest roll-out has seen 80 officials in African women’s football undergo training on topics including leadership and strategic planning.

One of the main aims of this training is to reduce skill gaps in leadership in African women’s football. The workshops held a focus on support mechanisms available and training on how to access it effectively.

A history of investment from CAF in recent years

The CAF and its member nations have had their fair share of turmoil and corruption in the last decade. In 2023, Zimbabwe manager Shadreck Mlauzi was charged with sexual assault on players in a harrowing example of systemic abuse.

More recently, CAF president Patrice Motsepe admitted in an interview with African media that the CAF was struggling with trust issues regarding its fans and members.

In an effort to positively effect its future and those of Africa’s women’s footballers, the CAF has focussed on training its leaders and officials in this new manner. So far more than 80 participants from four African unions, including the COSAFA, have undergone the training.

What does the CAF training focus on?

CAF head of women’s football, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime spoke to media about the importance of the long-term effects of the workshops.

“Our ambition with this programme is to build a strong and confident network of administrators and managers committed to the development of women’s football in Africa. Beyond capacity building, it provides a unique platform for sharing experiences, addressing common challenges and learning from each other,” Goshime stated.