CAF Head of Women’s Football, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime has shared her vision and ongoing initiatives to propel women’s football to the continent.
In an interview with CAF TV, Goshime highlighted the crucial role played by competitions such as the CAF GIFT U17 tournament and sustained efforts to improve the infrastructure and opportunities for young girls in African football.
Women’s football in Africa: A development priority
Goshime, who already worked in Tanzania in 2018, describes this country as an exciting place for the growth of women’s football in the CECAFA zone. East Africa, and more specifically nations such as Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia, have made enormous progress, including qualifying for FIFA U17 World Cup.
With this in mind, the CAF GIFT U17 tournament was created to fill an important gap in women’s football. It aims to offer girls under the age of 17, who often play in senior leagues, an opportunity to compete at a higher level. This tournament not only allows young players to gain international experience, but also to stimulate investment in women’s football at the level of national clubs and associations.
Why Tanzania?
CAF has analysed the evolution of women’s football, and Tanzania, with its teams of strongly growing clubs such as JKT Queens and Simba, stands out. These clubs have participated consistently in the competitions of the CAF Women’s Champions League, proof of the solid development of women’s football at club level. The country has also proven its skills as a host for major sporting events, making it an ideal choice for this first edition of the GIFT U17 tournament.
What is the objective of the CAF U-17 GIFT tournament and its impact?
The CAF GIFT U17 tournament represents a step forward for CAF. The ultimate goal is to see more African countries participate in similar competitions, as part of regional development. This tournament is a starting point for the expansion of girls’ competitions throughout Africa, and the idea is to create a platform for girls under the age of 17 to play in competitions appropriate to their level and age.
CAF’s priorities for women’s football
Beyond competitions, there is a need to professionalise women’s football throughout the continent. CAF has launched several initiatives to professionalise women’s clubs, such as the development of club licensing and the creation of the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021. But it goes beyond teams: it is equally essential to encourage women to enter administrative and coaching functions. CAF invests in the training of female coaches and has already provided specialised courses for more than 21 member associations, demonstrating the commitment to offering opportunities to women in all aspects of football.
CAF’s objectives for the coming years are clear: to achieve high-level performances during the U17 Women’s World Cup and other international competitions.
Conclusion:
As a Women’s Football Development pioneer, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime embodies CAF’s commitment to promoting and supporting women’s football on the African continent. With projects such as the CAF U-17 GIFT and training initiatives for women in the field of administration and coaching, she works for a future where African girls will have the same opportunities as their male counterparts, and where women’s football will be professionalised and respected on a global scale.
CAF’s ambition is clear: to allow African girls to shine on the world stage.
STORY & IMAGES: CAF ONLINE
