Team Managers familiarize with obligations before AFCON
To ensure the smooth running of the 2019 Total African Cup of Nations in June, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) organized a workshop for all team managers in Cairo on Wednesday to familiarize them with their obligations.
The Team Managers are an integral part in the running of a successful Cup of Nations as they are the link between the teams, tournament organizers and the media.
Among the issues they were taken through included their pre-match and match day obligations, safety and security, media obligations and all the marketing issues around the tournament.
The managers were also familiarized with the kitting requirements and regulations which include the size of jersey numbers, jersey sponsor and player names to ensure uniformity and a perfect fit for a quality television production.
The participants were also familiarized with the CAF marketing and advertising policies which are aligned in tandem with FIFA regulations. They include the prohibition of advertising on the jerseys, as well as underneath shirts.
Also stressed out to the managers by CAF was the fact that no religious or political messages should be borne on the underneath jerseys.
“I am really happy with the plans the organizers have for the AFCON. We did the drawing for hotels and I think it is something very vital for planning and it will ensure we prepare the team in a better way before and when we are in Egypt. This workshop was really enlightening,” Kenya’s Team Manager Daniel Kawinzi said.
CAF’s head of safety and security Christian Emeruwa also updated the managers on the security arrangements for the tournament especially noting how much traction among fans and media an expanded AFCON will bring.
“We are committed to ensuring that we deliver the best security to you and the CAF Security committee is working alongside the local police to see that all this is taken care of. The team will be under proper security always at the hotel, training ground and match day,” Emeruwa affirmed.
“”They have explained to us a lot about the preparations and I think if everything happens as planned, we will have a very successful tournament. I am happy with the plans they have and we have familiarized ourselves with all our obligations,” said Guinean national team manager Conde Fah.
His sentiments were echoed by Tanzania’s Danny Msangi; “I am very happy with this arrangement because for some of us it is the first time we are here and we really needed to know what is required of us as well as the rules over certain things.”