Jean Sseninde, a former defender for Queens Park Rangers Women’s FC and Charlton Athletic Women’s FC, has praised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its substantial investment in developing youth through the African Schools Football Championship.
Attending the finals of the previous season’s tournament in Durban, South Africa, Sseninde lauded the initiative as a significant boost for the continent’s future in football.
The Ugandan football legend highlighted the impressive growth of the tournament, which is in its second season and has already seen participation from 804,480 young boys and girls across 28,862 schools in 44 countries. This marks a 40% increase from the previous edition, with expectations for continued expansion in the coming years.
The championship is set to reach its climax with the finals in Zanzibar from May 21-24. Twelve teams, split equally between U-15 boys and girls, will represent the six CAF Zonal Unions, vying for continental glory. Sseninde emphasized the value of such experiences for young athletes, noting that CAF has gone to great lengths to ensure a professional competition environment.
“Such an experience will certainly go a long way for these kids and CAF has pulled out all the stops in ensuring that they experience a truly professional football competition,” said Sseninde.
She also pointed out the holistic approach of the tournament, which includes various developmental programs like the Young Referees Programme, Young Reporters Programme, and CAF Safeguarding, among others.
“These programs ensure a wider transfer of skills and represent the best investment we can make for the youth, contributing to the betterment of Africa,” she added.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship, the first of its kind in world football, exemplifies CAF’s strategic commitment to leveraging football and education for youth development across Africa. Sseninde’s endorsement underscores the positive impact such initiatives have on nurturing future talent and empowering young individuals.
Photo: CAF Online
