The CAF African Schools Football Championship Finals in Zanzibar are set to be a star-studded affair with the confirmation of African football legends Emmanuel Adebayor, Daniel Amokachi, and Amanda Dlamini as key figures at the event.
Scheduled from May 21 to 24, 2024, this second edition of the championship will feature a host of activities promoting football development and youth engagement.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship, a continental competition involving over 44 African countries and more than 800,000 participants under the age of 15, is not just about football.
It also includes educational programs such as the Young Referee’s Programme, Young Reporter Programme, and Safeguarding initiatives. These programs aim to holistically develop young talent, both on and off the pitch.
Emmanuel Adebayor, a former CAF Player of the Year (2008), is one of the prominent figures set to inspire young players in Zanzibar. Adebayor’s illustrious career saw him play for top European clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid.
Representing Togo, Adebayor was pivotal in their historic 2006 FIFA World Cup appearance. His vast experience and success are set to motivate and guide the young footballers participating in the championship.
Joining Adebayor is Nigerian football star Daniel Amokachi, who boasts an impressive international career with 42 caps for the Super Eagles. Amokachi’s contributions were crucial in Nigeria’s triumph at the 1994 CAF Africa Cup of Nations and their gold medal win at the 1996 Olympic Games. His presence at the championship underscores the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with role models to emulate.
South African football icon Amanda Dlamini, former captain of Banyana Banyana, will also grace the event. Dlamini’s notable achievements include two CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations appearances, where South Africa finished third in 2010 and second in 2012.
Recently, she made history as the first female to join the world commentary feed at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. Dlamini’s involvement highlights the growing influence of women in African football and serves as an inspiration to young female players.
The finals in Zanzibar will also feature local stars such as Abdi Kassim Sadalla, former Tanzanian National Team Captain, and Hilda Masanche, Head Coach of the Tanzania U17 Women’s National Team. Their participation will further bolster the championship’s objective of promoting football at the grassroots level across Africa.
These legends will engage in various activities aimed at fostering football development and supporting young talent. The championship will provide a platform for young players from across the continent to showcase their skills, passion, and potential, ensuring that the future of African football remains bright and promising.
Photo: CAF Online
