CAF, EU multi-million pact to discover more gems in African schools

The two-year deal, estimated worth over R400 million, was announced at a function held at the EU Residency in Cairo, and will see the two entities partnering for the Africa Cup of Nations, Women’s AFCON 2024 and CAF Schools Championships. 

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela says the aim is to see over 33 000 schools in Africa benefiting from this partnership.

"We don't talk about the contribution because this is basically among the business partners to keep certain volumes and data confidential," said Sikela.

"However, what I already mentioned is our aim to extend this very great idea, where already 1 million young African girls and boys have been participating, and this is the CAF Schools Championship.

"Our plan with our contribution is to extend the number of [participating] schools up to 33 000."

When the CAF Schools Championship began, the Motsepe Foundation contributed over R180 million to kick-start the tournament, which continues to this day. 

Motsepe added the EU’s partnership takes them to another level. 

"The biggest investment we can make, as Africans, is to invest in our youth and we started the African School's Football Championship a few years ago," said Motsepe.

"It was actually a consequence of what we had started in South Africa, where the Motsepe Foundation, over many years, supported school's football and we made a donation of $10 million to school's football on the African continent.

"It is a great honour for us that the European Union, which is one of the most respected institutions representing the most successful and prominent group of nations to come in together [and partner with CAF]."

READ: Mdaka hails DDC impact on Amajita AFCON glory