CAF Young Reporters Programme launches sports journalism pathway for Zimbabwean youth

Budding sports journalists in Zimbabwe are gaining valuable insight into the fundamentals of the profession through the CAF Young Reporters Programme, held ahead of the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals Zimbabwe 2026 in Harare.

The four-day workshop, which commenced on Friday at Gateway High School, is facilitated in partnership with Canal+ and is led by Coumba Niang and renowned African storyteller, Usher Komugisha.

Participants are being taken through the core principles of sports journalism, including accuracy, objectivity, accountability, and ethical reporting. Emphasis has also been placed on integrity, sensitivity in storytelling, and developing a strong understanding of sport.

Veteran Zimbabwean journalist Steve Vickers, who brings close to four decades of experience, also addressed the group, sharing invaluable insights from his distinguished career.

The programme covers a wide range of practical skills such as on-camera presentation, note-taking, factchecking, and information verification — all essential tools for aspiring reporters aiming to operate at a professional level.

In a unique hands-on approach, the young reporters will be integrated into CAF’s Communications and Broadcast team during the competition, where they will apply their newly acquired knowledge in a real tournament environment, gaining first-hand experience in covering a major continental event.

This blend of theory and practical exposure ensures that participants not only learn the fundamentals but also develop the confidence and adaptability required in modern sports journalism.

Adding further inspiration to the workshop, former South African captain and two-time Olympian Amanda Dlamini, along with TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winner Calvin Johnson, shared their personal journeys and insights on excelling in the football industry.

They were joined by former Zimbabwe national team captain and coach Rosemary Mugadza, who highlighted the importance of hard work, intentional growth, and breaking barriers beyond national borders.

The initiative forms part of CAF’s broader commitment to developing a holistic football ecosystem across Africa by empowering the next generation of storytellers and industry professionals.