WAFU B President on recent developments at Zonal Union and close collaborations with CAF

President of the WAFU B Zonal Union, Mr Kurt Okraku says the collaboration between CAF and its Zonal Unions will bring about a positive change in the ongoing development of football in Africa.

The WAFU B President was speaking to CAFONline.com on the recent strides made by the Zonal Union as well as the reconfiguration of the operations between Zonal Union CAF.

1. What is your vision for WAFU B? 

I am in this seat, representing the CAF President. What this means is that my vision is not away from the vision of the President of CAF.  In addition to his vision, the only add on will be the desire of my exco to develop our game and to take our game into the homes of all our people and lastly for us to deliver football at the levels that can be enjoyed by everybody in the world.

2. How has CAF's decision to reconfigure the operations of All ZU impacted your ZU and to what effect?   

For me, it’s the best way and is really aligned to my philosophy of fixing the fundamentals. So, I fully agree with Dr Motsepe's decision to allow and to help build the ZU to be strong and to be fully operational and responsible for the development of football right from the bottom. Once the foundation for development of football is strong at the ZU level, we will have a more sustainable football system in all the MAs.

3. What are some of the positive changes to regional football that are coming as a result of the restructured ZU? 

Improvement in our governance structure and quality of personnel as a result of that singular decision to have a structured staff personnel is perhaps the best positive change. This enhanced in quality of staff will help our growth agenda. Secondly, improved financing of ZU activities will ultimately help the growth of football.

4. ZU Presidents are now part of CAF EXCO- how important is this in the development agenda of regional football?

For me, this is a must and the best all-inclusive bottom-up approach. 

5. In what way does organizing of Zonal competitions under the new structure help or hinder?

Competitions will improve under the new structure.

6. What plans are in place and underway to ensure that ZU retain some autonomy from CAF in their operations?

This needs a good thought through strategic sessions. However, I believe giving the ZU some level of independent decision making will help growth.