Significant strides made by CAF Member Associations in advancement of African football development
Through its close collaborative efforts with CAF, Member associations across Africa continue to make significant strides in developing football in Africa.
CAFOnline takes a look at some of the key milestones achieved by some of its Member Associations.
Angola - Angolan Football Association
Angola's football history and its deep-rooted significance in the nation's culture are driving the federation's commitment to enhancing its national teams and building capacity within the sport.
National Teams' Achievements:
The Angolan Futsal National Team recently showcased their talent by finishing as runners-up at the CAF Futsal AFON Morocco 2024, securing qualification for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 in Uzbekistan. This achievement stems from the federation's robust talent development and extensive scouting initiatives, which have expanded to all 18 provinces.
On a regional scale, Angola triumphed in the 2024 COSAFA Cup, delivering an impressive 5-0 victory against Namibia amidst competition from 12 teams, including guest team Kenya from CECAFA. Earlier this year, the Men’s National Team made headlines during the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 by reaching the quarterfinals, a feat reminiscent of their performances in 2008 and 2010. While Angola fell short of the semifinals, the team’s progress—highlighted by Gelson Dala matching Manucho's record with four goals—underscores the nation's growing football prowess.
Capacity Building Initiatives:
Off the pitch, the Angolan Football Federation is making significant strides. Their recent investment in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, alongside collaboration with FIFA to launch Africa's first professional club management program, demonstrates a commitment to enhancing administrative capabilities and supporting clubs to meet international standards.
In terms of technical development, the federation’s Technical Director, former player Miller Gomes, is advocating for training programs to help coaches obtain the CAF C coaching license. This initiative reflects the federation’s dedication to elevating the standard of football in Angola.
Through these investments and achievements, Angola is poised to solidify its status as a competitive force in African football, paving the way for a bright future in the sport.
Guinea - Fédération Guinéenne De Football (FEGUIFOOT)
The Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT) is committed to the advancement and growth of football across Guinea. Recognizing the sport's unique ability to unite communities, instil core values, and inspire future generations, FEGUIFOOT has launched several ambitious development projects. These initiatives are designed to enhance the infrastructure and opportunities available to football enthusiasts throughout the country. They go beyond improving the quality of the game, fostering a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and professional growth within the Guinean football community.
Each of these projects addresses various aspects of football development—from nurturing young talent to building state-of-the-art facilities. These efforts are a testament to FEGUIFOOT’s commitment to ensuring that football in Guinea is more than just a sport. It is a powerful tool for social change, economic development, and national pride.
Operationalization of Football Academies
FEGUIFOOT has established two football academies, one in Conakry and the other in Kindia, funded by FIFA Forward Programme. These academies have been operational for four years and have played a crucial role in nurturing young talents. Each academy accommodates 50 boys and 25 girls, with an average age of 14 for the boys and 18 for the girls. Offering comprehensive training in both football and education, these academies prepare the youth to become high-level athletes. By cultivating young talent, these academies contribute significantly to the future of Guinean football, preparing players for both national and international competitions.
Championnes Project
The Championnes Project, co-financed by Plan France, the French Development Agency (AFD), and FIFA, aims to strengthen the life skills of young girls through sports. This initiative has provided these young girls with personal and professional development opportunities, leading 25 of them to become professionals in various fields, including hairdressing, tailoring, customs transit, pastry making, IT, and accounting.
By empowering young girls and providing them with development and professional integration opportunities, the project has helped them become independent and autonomous women. Additionally, by promoting access to sports and professional training for girls, this project supports gender equality and contributes to reducing social inequalities.
Construction of a Junior Category Accommodation Unit
FEGUIFOOT has constructed an accommodation unit for junior categories, featuring 28 rooms and 2 suites. This facility offers optimal living and training conditions for young footballers, promoting their development and well-being. By providing quality accommodation, the youth can fully concentrate on their training and education, significantly enhancing their progress and future success. This infrastructure is pivotal in developing local talents and preparing the next generation of Guinean football champions.
Construction of Synthetic Pitches
FEGUIFOOT is currently constructing three synthetic pitches in Guinea, one in Mamou, one in Faranah, and one in Nzérékoré—cities that have never had synthetic pitches before. These high-quality pitches provide optimal playing conditions for footballers, promoting safe and high-standard sports practice. By building these pitches in previously underserved locations, FEGUIFOOT ensures that access to sports is available to all, regardless of geographic location. These new infrastructures will significantly contribute to the development of local football by providing adequate playing conditions for training and competitions. Moreover, by encouraging sports practice, these synthetic pitches will enhance the health and well-being of local communities.
Sporting Achievements
Guinea has also achieved impressive results on the sporting front, highlighting the talent and potential within the country. Notably, Guinea was among the select few nations representing African football at the 2024 Olympic Games, underscoring the country’s rich talent pool and its ability to make a strong impression on the international stage.
Additionally, the successful outcomes of the African Schools Football Championship further demonstrate Guinea’s growing prominence in youth football. With a victory in the 2022/2023 boys' championship and securing the position of first runner-up in the 2023/2024 boys' championship, these achievements reflect the substantial efforts being made in talent development and the promotion of schools’ football.
Conclusion
FEGUIFOOT is proud to present these development projects, which are making a significant impact on the Guinean sports community. Supported by international partners, these initiatives aim to promote football, develop local talents, and improve the living and training conditions of young footballers. These efforts are clearly translating into strong performances on the field, further solidifying Guinea’s position in the global football arena.