The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with Africa’s leading higher learning institution, the University of Cape Town (“UCT”) in Cairo, Egypt.
The agreement between the two Organizations will see the University of Cape Town provide bespoke courses and programmes as an Africa Centre of Education Excellence, which will be aimed at driving knowledge, creating capacity and strengthening administrative skills amongst Africa’s Football stakeholders.
Today’s MoU, signed by CAF’s Secretary General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba and the University of Cape Town Council Vice-Chancellor Professor Dayanand Reddy, will herald a new era in African football, prioritising education and skills development amongst the administrators entrusted with running Member Associations.
Mosengo-Omba said: “The University of Cape Town is one of the leading centres of learning globally and CAF is very proud to be associated with such a reputable institution. The Agreement between the two Organizations also speaks to the work that has been done in turning CAF around and positioning it as amongst the best learning organizations in Africa. The Agreement is anchored in the promise made by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe three years ago to improve the efficiency and professionalism in African Football. We believe this collaboration will not only train the future leaders of football but also consolidate the skills and capacity of role players, thereby fostering the landscape of African football.”
UCT Council Chair, Advocate Norman Arendse, said: “UCT is absolutely delighted to partner CAF on this critically important project: to train and develop the leaders and future leaders of African football. UCT shares the vision of CAF, which is to develop and sustain a truly world-class organization based entirely on excellence.”
Prof. Reddy remarked: “The partnership with CAF is further testimony to UCT’s commitment to engaging in collaboration aimed at strengthening capacity and unleashing leadership potential on our continent. We are proud to join hands with CAF in this exciting venture”.
Last year, the University of Cape Town was ranked the number one University in Africa in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (“ARWU”). Earlier this year, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings also placed the University of Cape Town first in Africa.
The programme will include a mix of online as well as on-site modules that will be held at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. The key objectives of the programme will include the following amongst others:
- Enhancing the skills and expertise of African football stakeholders.
- Building the capacity of role-players within CAF’s 54 member associations.
- Driving innovation and encouraging football executives to expand their strategic acumen and strengthen their leadership capabilities.
- Contributing to the advancement and sustainability of African football.
