CAF KinFoot Festival 2025: Building the future through Workshops
The enthusiasm of learning and innovation took centre stage in Kinshasa on Friday as students from schools in Ngaliema gathered at the National Pedagogical University for the CAF KinFoot Festival 2025 workshops.
Following Thursday’s distribution of kits, participants immersed themselves in a day of discovery, guided by experienced instructors under CAF’s Member Associations Department.
The programme combined classroom sessions and practical exercises, with themes spanning sports technology, coaching, safeguarding, and refereeing.
Speaking from the engaging workshops, CAF Member Associations Director, Sarah Mukuna said:
“The training holistic development of young people is truly at the heart of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s vision. Football must serve as a lever for the future of Africa’s youth, by providing them with not only technical tools, but also ethical and social guidance.”
This commitment echoes CAF’s ambition to use football as a driver of education and citizenship.
Olive Kiloha, President of the Congolese Women’s Football League and CAF Safeguarding Officer, emphasized the importance of such programmes by CAF.
“We live in a world of constant change. It is essential that our instructors are prepared for the challenges facing our sport. Young people who dream of a career must also know their rights, so they can grow in a safe and peaceful environment.”
One of the most dynamic workshops was devoted to coaching, led by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Technical Director, Médard Lusadusu, supported by U17 coach Étienne Dianda and national team coach Otis Ngoma.
Lusadusu outlined the structured pathway for young players:
“Between the ages of 6 and 8 years is the awakening stage. From 9 to 12, initiation. Then comes the development phase, consolidating skills. From 15, training becomes structured, and by 17, the focus shifts to automatisms, individualized sessions, and preparing entry into the professional world.”
The refereeing workshop introduced participants to the 17 Laws of the Game, small-sided football, and key decision-making skills.
CAF’s official logistics partner, Africa Global Logistics (AGL), also played an active role. Having supported the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and preparing for the 2025 edition in Morocco, AGL distributed smartwatches to participants—both as educational tools and as symbols of innovation.
The KinFoot Festival workshops underscored a fundamental truth: football is built not only on the field, but also in the minds of young people. Through the transfer of values, knowledge, and guidance, CAF continues to shape a brighter, safer, and more inclusive future for African football.