CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba held two-day discussions with Sport Ministers, Education Ministers and other government officials from several UNAF, CECAFA and COSAFA regions. The meetings also included CAF Member Association Presidents from the three zones.
The meetings are part of an on-going stakeholder engagement process by CAF started by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and also Mosengo-Omba as CAF maps out the way forward on the Pan-African Schools competition.
The CAF Secretary General said to the Ministers and FA Presidents government officials in attendance: “Your presence during these sessions shows the commitment you have in uplifting our continent. The Pan African Schools project is not just a football competition but an initiative, it is a movement that will organise children in different parts of the continent. The social benefits of this projects are very important – because of the values football gives to our communities.”
For this to succeed, Mosengo-Omba argued, CAF needs strong support from governments and the Member Associations. “It must be a tripartite alliance – CAF, Governments and Member Associations working together. Everyone has a specific role to play.”
South Sudan Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu said: “On behalf of my government, we pledge support to CAF and this initiative by the leadership of CAF under President Motsepe. The Pan-African Schools Football competition comes at a time when we are rebuilding our country. This will give our young people exposure – it will play a major role in bringing peace in our continent. From an early age, young kids will interact with their neighbouring countries and learn more about each other.
Egyptian Minister Youth and Sport, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy said: “This is the new way of thinking by CAF. This is one of the most important projects I have encountered in my career both in the private and public sector. We are very interested in this project.
Malawi Minister of Education, Hon. Agnes Nyalonje added: “This comes at an opportune time for Malawi and it is in line with our vision 2063 which focuses on moulding young people for the future. What I like about the programme is that it forces different sectors to work together with one goal. As Minister of Education, I cherish an opportunity to work with CAF and with football.”
