Education at the Heart of TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: The Pioneering Initiative of the Central African Football Federation
As the CAF TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 takes place in Morocco, an innovative project has been launched by the Central African Football Federation: providing academic support to the young players of the national team. Aware of both academic and athletic challenges, the federation has deployed three teachers—specialists in mathematics/physics, French, and history-geography to ensure that education continues for these teenagers during the competition.
Commitment from the Central African Federation to the Players' Future
Participation in an international competition like the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON is a privilege, but it presents a major challenge: the schooling of young players. Mr. Amédée Nbongo, a member of the executive committee of the Central African Football Federation and head of the delegation for this tournament, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. "We are working with youth who are still in school. At the start of the competition, they had to pause their classes. The Federation therefore took the initiative to set up an academic program so they wouldn't fall behind in their studies”, says Nbongo.
Each day, the players receive one to two hours of lessons. The schedule is carefully organized to balance matches, training, and academic sessions, without compromising the team’s physical or tactical preparation.
An Organization Tailored to the Players' Needs
To ensure effective support, the teachers use various methods. Basile Doudou Selemy, one of the team’s players, explains how he continues learning while staying focused on the tournament:
"With my teachers, we decided to use the folder method. They give me lessons and exercises I can work on at my own pace. The teachers are there to help me understand and correct my mistakes."
This method combines independence with guidance, allowing players to maintain their educational rhythm.
Ousmane Tanko Binguimale, a grade 10 student greatly benefits from this support:
"I’m weak in math. But the teachers help us with methods and approaches. Before, I didn’t understand equations. Now we’ve worked on them, and it’s going much better."
A Structured Academic Program
The three teachers sent by the federation created a curriculum based on the players’ needs. Mr. Hugues Cyriaque Mokossé Bongolo, mathematics teacher, explains the goal of his lessons:
"Today we’re working on equations and inequalities, since that’s a major area of concern for the students. We adapt to their needs and reinforce the key concepts."
In French, the lessons focus on literature and grammar, to help the players express themselves better—especially during post-match interviews.
François Koyembe, a national team player, highlights the importance of this training:
"It’s important to follow French lessons. If I have to give an interview after a match, I want to be able to speak well and show that I have a good command of the language."
History and geography lessons help players deepen their knowledge about their country and the world, giving them a better understanding of cultural and historical dynamics.
A Driving Force for an Inspiring African Model
This initiative is also part of the Safeguarding program launched by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In June 2023, CAF and its Safeguarding division adopted essential measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for young players.
Ganafe Junior, the safeguarding officer for the Central African team, emphasizes the importance of this effort:
"An uneducated footballer faces many obstacles. Without a solid education, he may mismanage his career—especially when signing contracts. Too many agents take advantage of players’ lack of understanding of legal terms in their agreements."
The positive effects of this initiative are already noticeable. Players are developing confidence and independence, reflected in both their academic progress and performance on the field.