A groundbreaking initiative that promises to reshape the future of African football was unveiled on Monday night September 02, 2024 as the President of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, together with the leadership of the University of Cape Town (UCT), launched the CAF Football Management Executive Programme. This programme aims to upskill and empower football administrators from CAF’s 54 Member Associations, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards strengthening the governance and leadership of African football.

In the vibrant atmosphere of the launch event, which brought together representatives from 28 African nations, the message was clear: education is the driving force behind excellence in football administration. Dr. Motsepe passionately underscored this, emphasizing that knowledge and training are indispensable in building a culture of success, transparency, and professionalism across African football.

“Education is the foundation on which excellence is built. It is through learning and continuous development that we can foster a future of success for African football,” Dr. Motsepe stated, his words resonating with the mission of the newly introduced programme.

This is only the beginning, as this launch marks the first phase of the CAF Football Management Executive Programme, targeting English-speaking African nations. Soon, French-speaking countries will have access to this transformational initiative as well, ensuring that no part of the continent is left behind in this push for football development.

The programme, which blends online learning with on-site modules at UCT’s prestigious Graduate School of Business, aims to equip football administrators with cutting-edge skills and knowledge. Vice Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela highlighted the deep significance of the collaboration with CAF, hailing Dr. Motsepe’s visionary leadership and commitment to the future of football on the continent.

“When I reflect on this partnership with CAF, it’s clear that the leadership is not just thinking about football today, but about the quality of tomorrow’s leaders. This programme shows that CAF is serious about empowering football administrators to think strategically and lead boldly,” Professor Moshabela remarked.

The programme’s objectives are ambitious yet attainable: enhancing the skills and expertise of football stakeholders, building the capacity of CAF’s 54 Member Associations, and fostering innovation and leadership. It is more than a training initiative—it is a vision for sustainable, forward-thinking African football governance.

The leadership team from UCT attending the launch further illustrated the weight of this collaboration, including UCT’s Chancellor, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Council Chair Advocate Norman Arendse, and Professor Moshabela himself. The collective presence of these prominent figures underlined the deep commitment to making this programme a beacon of transformation for African football.



Ghana’s football Association leadership was also well represented at the launch. The General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq., and Deputy General Secretary, Ama Brobey Williams, attended the event, signaling Ghana’s enthusiastic participation in the programme. The GFA is keen to leverage this opportunity to strengthen its leadership and strategic capabilities, positioning Ghana as a key player in the evolution of African football.

This initiative, backed by CAF and UCT, is more than just an educational programme—it is a rallying cry for football executives across Africa to rise, lead with integrity, and champion the growth and sustainability of African football. With visionary leadership, innovative strategies, and a commitment to excellence, the future of African football has never looked brighter.



Key Takeaways

The CAF Football Management Executive Programme, launched by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and UCT leadership, aims to transform African football administration.

The programme focuses on education, leadership development, and fostering innovation, with a mix of online and on-site modules.
28 African nations participated in the launch, with plans to expand to French-speaking countries soon.

Ghana Football Association’s General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq., and Deputy General Secretary Ama Brobey Williams represented Ghana at the event, reflecting the country’s commitment to this landmark initiative.

The partnership signals a major step towards the sustainability and growth of football on the African continent, driven by visionary leadership and a commitment to excellence.

This initiative promises to be a defining moment in African football’s history—one where education, vision, and leadership come together to build a brighter, stronger future for the sport across the continent.

Ama Brobbey Williams, CAF, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, Ghana Football, Ghana football association, Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.)