In just a few days, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) will kick off the highly anticipated CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, scheduled from May 21 to May 24.
This groundbreaking youth football competition arrives at a time when African football is experiencing remarkable growth, largely due to CAF’s dedicated efforts to nurture the sport across the continent.
Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan has praised CAF for creating opportunities that were unavailable during his youth. Reflecting on the upcoming championship, Gyan emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the younger generation.
“This is very important for the young ones. It boosts them to work more and to achieve their dreams,” said Gyan, highlighting the positive impact of the competition’s capacity-building programs introduced by CAF.
The championship stands out not only for its competitive nature but also for its comprehensive development programs.
These include the Young Reporters Programme, Young Medical Officers Programme, and a CAF Coaching Programme for educators, all aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of participants and their mentors.
Gyan noted, “We didn’t get the opportunity that they have right now. They should be proud of themselves, and I am also proud of them.
What CAF is doing to support these kids is an amazing initiative. I would like to commend CAF for what they have done. This is very important for us as Africans.”
The CAF African Schools Football Championship is a pioneering event in global football, featuring over 800,000 participants, boys and girls under the age of 15, from more than 44 African countries.
This monumental competition not only showcases young talent but also underscores CAF’s commitment to the holistic development of African football.
As the championship unfolds in Zanzibar, it promises to be a significant milestone in the journey of young African footballers, offering them a platform that legends like Asamoah Gyan could only dream of in their early years.
Photo: CAF Online
