CAF Women Instructors Development Program Concludes Successfully in Addis Ababa

The CAF Women’s Football Department is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the CAF Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP), culminating in a dynamic in-person workshop held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The in-person phase, which took place from May 5 to 9, 2025, marked the final chapter of a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the quality and impact of women football coaching education across the continent.

The program officially launched online on March 5, 2025, offering four weeks of virtual training in leadership, communication, coaching pedagogy, and practical knowledge delivery. The innovative hybrid format enabled participants to gain cutting-edge instructional and leadership skills while continuing with their daily professional duties.

A total of 24 participants from 19 African Football Associations took part in the program, reflecting CAF’s strong commitment to building capacity and promoting gender equity within football structures across the continent.

During the in-person training, participants engaged in intensive practical demonstrations, group discussions, and assessments, solidifying their competencies as future leaders and facilitators in their respective Member Associations. The workshop also served as a platform to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, and reinforce CAF’s strategic efforts to empower women across all facets of the game.

Sherly Botes, Head Coach of the Ugandan Women’s National Team, shared her appreciation:

"Firstly, thank you to CAF for hosting the CAF Women Instructors Development Course in Addis Ababa. The aim of the course was to equip and empower women instructors on the continent. It has been an amazing experience for all of us, and we are so grateful to CAF for this opportunity. The course focused on various aspects, namely ‘Technology in Football,’ ‘Match Analysis,’ ‘Football Philosophy,’ ‘Football Periodization,’ and ‘Scouting & Selection Criteria,’ just to mention a few. Our aim is to share the knowledge and experiences gained at this course within our federations in order to represent CAF and our FAs at the highest level."

Tomety Kai, Head Coach of Togo’s Women’s National Team, also noted:

"The training workshop organised by CAF as part of its Female Instructor Development Programme was an extremely enriching experience, both professionally and personally for me. I leave this training better equipped, inspired and determined to pass on what I have learned, in order to actively contribute to the development of the next generation of African women's football players."

Bernadette Anong, participant from Cameroon, reflected deeply on her journey:

"This programme has been very enriching for us and for African women's football. I acquired knowledge on communication, managing a women's group, pedagogy in coaching, and much more. These five days strengthened my practical skills, including how to present a theme, how to evaluate an educator with respect, and how to captivate an audience. Today, I am grateful because CAF has once again equipped us for the development and future happiness of African women's football. A plus has been given to us, a challenge remains to be won in order to reduce the distance between African and Western women's football – and why not take the helm."

During the closing ceremony, Mr. Bahiru Tilahun, General Secretary of the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), expressed his gratitude: "We are deeply honored that CAF chose Ethiopia to host this important program. It not only demonstrates CAF’s trust in our country’s capacity but also serves as a huge source of inspiration for our female coaches. This initiative will motivate many more to strive for excellence and become part of the new generation of leaders in African women’s football."

CAF Head of Women’s Football concluded: "This program is a major step forward in building a network of highly competent women coach educators across Africa. We are proud of the achievements of each participant and are confident they will play a critical role in shaping the future of women’s football development within their associations."

CAF extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Ethiopian Football Federation for its outstanding support and hospitality in hosting the workshop, as well as to the expert instructors, interpreters, and all contributors who ensured the success of the program.

#EmpoweringOurGame #CAFWomenInstructors #WIDP2025