This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
Meskerem Tadesse Goshime, head of women’s football development at the Confederation of African Football (CAF), shared her vision and ongoing initiatives to propel women’s football on the continent. In a joint interview with CAF TV and AZAM TV, she highlighted the crucial role that competitions like the GIFT U17 tournament play and the ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and opportunities for young girls in African football.
Women’s football in Africa: A development priority
Tadesse Goshime, who previously worked in Tanzania in 2018, describes the country as an emblematic place for the growth of women’s football in the CECAFA zone. East Africa, and particularly nations like Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia, have made huge strides, including reaching the final stages of FIFA U17 World Cup qualifying.
With this in mind, the GIFT U17 tournament was created to fill a significant void in women’s football. It aims to provide girls under 17, who often play in senior leagues, with a suitable platform. This tournament not only allows young players to gain international experience, but also stimulates investment in women’s football at club and national association level.
Why Tanzania?
The choice of Tanzania to host this pilot tournament is not insignificant. CAF has analyzed the evolution of women’s football, and Tanzania, with its rapidly growing club teams such as JKT Queens and Simba, stands out. These clubs have consistently participated in CAF Women’s Champions League competitions, demonstrating the strong development of women’s football at club level. The country has also proven its skills as a host for major sporting events, making it an ideal choice for this first edition of the GIFT U17 tournament.
The objectives of the GIFT tournament and its impact
The GIFT U17 tournament represents a step forward for CAF, but the organization’s objective is much more ambitious. Meskerem Tadesse Goshime emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to see more African countries participate in similar competitions, as part of regional development. This tournament is a starting point for the expansion of competitions for girls across Africa, and the idea is to create a platform for girls aged under 17 to play in competitions appropriate to their level and their age.
She also expressed great satisfaction with the girls’ performance during the first days of the tournament. Their progress, their fighting spirit and their talent are a positive sign for the future of women’s football in Africa. “Our girls did not disappoint us,” she said, emphasizing the quality of the matches and the enthusiasm they bring to the field.
CAF’s priorities for women’s football
Beyond competitions, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime discusses the need to professionalize women’s football across the continent. CAF has launched several initiatives to professionalize women’s clubs, such as the development of club licensing and the creation of the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021. But this goes beyond teams: it is just as essential to encourage women to enter administrative and coaching functions. CAF is investing in the training of female coaches and has already delivered specialist courses for over 21 member associations, demonstrating the commitment to providing opportunities for women in all aspects of football.
CAF’s objectives for the coming years are clear: to achieve high-level performances at the U17 Women’s World Cup and other international competitions. “We want our women’s national teams to reach the semi-finals and finals of these tournaments,” explained the official.
As responsible for the development of women’s football, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime embodies CAF’s commitment to promoting and supporting women’s football on the African continent. With projects like the GIFT U17 tournament and training initiatives for women in the field of administration and coaching, it is working towards a future where African girls will have the same opportunities as their male counterparts, and where women’s football will be professionalized and respected globally. CAF’s ambition is clear: to allow African girls to shine on the world stage.
