Future African sports journalists shine as CAF Young Reporters interview CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe
The recently concluded CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals once again demonstrated CAF’s holistic approach to youth development, with capacity-building initiatives continuing to play a central role alongside the on-field competition.
Among these initiatives, the CAF Young Reporters Programme, delivered in partnership with Canal+ provided aspiring journalists from Harare and surrounding areas with a unique platform to develop their skills within a high-performance football environment.
A key highlight of the programme was the exclusive opportunity afforded to participants aged between 18 – 21 to engage with CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe on the day of the finals in Harare.
The young reporters conducted an insightful interview session about the bright future of African football under the leadership of the CAF President, demonstrating professionalism and a strong understanding of key issues shaping the continuous growth of African football.
The interaction provided valuable exposure, as participants posed questions relating to the growth of the game on the continent, leadership, and the role of youth in driving football development.
The session further reinforced CAF’s commitment to creating meaningful access and learning opportunities for young people across Africa.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Sarah Mukuna, CAF Member Associations Director, highlighted the value of the partnership and the practical experience offered through the programme.
“This partnership with Canal+ is key to ensuring that young people are not only exposed to theoretical learning, but are also given practical, real-life experiences within professional environments. The opportunity to interview the CAF President is a clear example of how this programme creates unique and meaningful learning moments that inspire and prepare the next generation of African sports journalists,” said Mukuna.
The CAF Young Reporters Programme forms part of the broader capacity-building framework of the CAF African Schools Football Championship and is delivered in partnership with Canal+.
The collaboration enhances the programme’s professional offering, with top-performing participants earning an exclusive internship opportunity at the Canal+ headquarters.
The CAF Young Reporters Programme is designed to equip participants with practical experience in sports media, while fostering the next generation of African storytellers.