TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Coaches Symposium Day 01 in quotes
The first-ever TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Coaches Symposium marked a milestone in African football, as the continent's top coaches and experts convened to share insights on the successes of the highly successful TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 and aspirations for future triumphs.
Held at the historic Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire, on September 12-13, this pioneering 2-day conference brought together the best of African football.
Here are some of the stand-out quotes from Day 01.
DR. PATRICE MOTSEPE - CAF PRESIDENT
“Africa has a rich history of producing exceptional football talent, and we’re confident that an African nation will soon claim the World Cup title. Recent achievements, such as Morocco’s remarkable run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and Ghana’s impressive performance in 2010, demonstrate our potential. To reach the pinnacle, we must combine hard work and self-belief”
YACINE IDRISS DIALLO- PRESIDENT, IVORIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
“We take immense pride in having contributed to the historic success of the best Africa Cup of Nations ever hosted. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to all stakeholders who played a crucial role in the tournament’s triumph, particularly His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara, whose visionary leadership and investment in infrastructure significantly enhanced the competition’s success.”
DESIRE NOUMANDIEZ DOUÉ - CAF HEAD OF REFEREES
“The current AFCON is showcasing the effectiveness of VAR in ensuring fair play. As we speak, we’re conducting a comprehensive arbitrage review under four key categories: Match Control, Decisions, Use of VAR, and Impact on Competition. Our goal is to enhance refereeing and promote a level playing field in African football.”
TOM GARDNER - FIFA REP
“FIFA is committed to growing football globally, and AFCON has risen to meet the standards of international football, a truly remarkable achievement. During the tournament, we implemented a cutting-edge data analysis system, mirroring the one used in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A team of 26 expert analysts per match collected detailed data on player and team performance, both on and off the ball. By integrating advanced tracking data, coaches are provided with actionable insights and resources to inform their strategies and elevate team performance.”
ELHADJI DIOUF - CAF AMBASSADOR AND SENEGAL LEGEND
“Returning to contribute to the growth of African teams is a choice I’m proud to have made. The presence of legends like myself, Jay-Jay, Didier Drogba and many others brings significant value to our teams, both in terms of marketing and political influence. Rather than simply relocating to Europe after their national team careers, together we can mentor the next generation and to ensure the continued growth and success of African football”.