The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) successfully hosted its inaugural InTandem: CAF General Secretaries Leadership Workshop in Cairo, Egypt, from 20-21 February 2025. This initiative, under the CAF General Secretary Programme, aims to enhance leadership and management capabilities among General Secretaries across CAF Member Associations (MAs).
A New Era in Football Leadership Development
Designed to improve executive management skills, the workshop created a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and capacity building. Additionally, the programme fosters unity among CAF’s Member Associations, reinforcing the importance of leadership in the development of African football.
“The success of CAF is inherently tied to the success of each of our Member Associations. By investing in the leadership and management skills of our General Secretaries, we are not only empowering individuals but also creating a network of support and collaboration that will benefit football across the continent,” said CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba.
President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe (C) stands with Mozambique Football Association President Feizal Sidat (2nd R) and football leaders from the Mozambique and COSAFA region and other officials, as the Mozambican national anthem is played during a visit to the Costa do Sol Stadium for the launch and kick-off event of the CAF African Schools Programme in Maputo on April 26, 2022. – Motsepe will also travel to Pemba, and Cabo Delgado north of Mozambique, to visit a refugee camp where CAF will donate football equipment at a refugee camp. (Photo by Alfredo Zuniga / AFP) (Photo by ALFREDO ZUNIGA/AFP via Getty Images)
Key Focus Areas and Training Modules
The InTandem: CAF GS Leadership Workshop emphasized crucial areas of executive management, such as:
Strategic Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Operational Efficiency
Participants engaged in interactive workshops, training sessions, and peer-to-peer exchanges, equipping them with practical tools to address challenges within their associations effectively.
CAF GS Handbook: A Foundation for Success
A pivotal component of this initiative is the CAF GS Handbook, a foundational resource that provides:
Essential knowledge
Frameworks and best practices
Tailored strategies for General Secretaries
This handbook ensures a structured and sustainable approach to football administration, supporting the long-term growth of African football.
President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe (L) speaks to President of FIFA Gianni Infantino (R) on the podium after Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 final football match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 11, 2024. (Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images)
CAF’s Commitment to Football Excellence
CAF’s dedication to enhancing leadership capacity aligns with its broader strategic mission to elevate football standards across Africa. By nurturing strong leadership at the administrative level, CAF is building a resilient and thriving football ecosystem that promotes long-term development and success.
The launch of the InTandem: CAF GS Leadership Programme marks a significant milestone in CAF’s strategic vision, emphasizing:
Collaboration
Shared success
Sustainable football administration
Engagement with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA)
As part of the workshop, delegates visited the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) Technical Training Centre. They were welcomed by FIFA Council Member and EFA President Hany Abou Rida, participating in a friendly football match to strengthen camaraderie and unity among members.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe delivers a speech next to the trophy during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 official draw at Parc des Expositions in Abidjan, southeastern Ivory Coast, on October 12, 2023. (Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP) (Photo by WIKUS DE WET/AFP via Getty Images)
As the InTandem: CAF GS Leadership Programme continues to evolve, it is expected to deliver lasting benefits not only to participants but also to the broader African football landscape. Through this initiative, CAF is committed to ensuring sustained progress and innovation in football administration across the continent.
