Edward Abankwa, convener of the African Football Conference has confirmed that Dr. Molefi Nathaniel Oliphant, Vice President & Executive Member, Confederation of African Football (CAF) would deliver the keynote address at the upcoming 2012 African Football Executive Confab.

He will speak on the topic: “Leadership in African Football: a Key Ingredient for Attaining Success on and off the Football Pitch”, at the premier African football business conference and networking Expo set to take place on 18th – 20th April 2012 at the Wanderers Club, Illovo, and Johannesburg.

Dr. Oliphant will be bringing his unique approach to football management, having held various positions in local and international football, including the National Olympic Committee of South Africa, Council for Southern African Football Association, FIFA and CAF match commissioner, FIFA Appeal Board, World Cup Organising Committee South Africa. He was Deputy Head of Delegation for both the Germany and South Africa FIFA world cups, and renowned for his excellent contribution to the development of soccer in Africa. He was part of the team that helped South Africa’s bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Among other speakers already confirmed for the 2012 Confab are: Dr. Robin Petersen, SAFA; Dr Danny Jordan, FIFA WC2010 LOC; Francesco Bruscoli, FIFA Development Programmes Africa; Nicholas Musonye, Council of East & Central African Football Associations; Jerome Champagne, Former FIFA Director of International Relations; Garth Hewitt, MTN; Steve Bellis, Kick Worldwide UK; Dr Paul Darby, Ulster Sports Academy; Thorsten Kierfer, WASH United, Germany.

Now in its second year and under the theme “Driving New Investment, Good Business Practices & Technical Issues to Enhance Sustainable Development in African Football”, the 2012 Confab presents a platform for convergence of distinguished football and business executives as they share experiences, and brainstorm for the sustainability of the world’s most popular sport.

According to Abankwa, the Confab provides an essential networking tool for African and international Clubs, Leagues, Federations, Brands, Government Departments and Sports Management Organisations.