With CAF having previously promised it will strive to enhance the level of football in Africa on all fronts, the body led by Patrice Motsepe is well on its way to making good on its word.
Motsepe has already expressed his desire to enhance the level of the game on the continent by investing heavily in grassroots football, which would solidify it at the base, ensuring that the continent develops the next generation of outstanding talent that would thrive across the globe while carrying the African flag with them.
Read: 'Percy Tau bites like a snake'
Motsepe previously stated that he would like there to be "more investments in academies, more investment in the youth, more investment in football for boys and girls", and that already looks to be the case.
Recently, CAF shared that through its Capacity Building Programme, a week-long educational experience took place this week in Zanzibar, where more than 160 school kids undertook a capacity building course focusing on skills and development.
Among the beneficiaries were aspiring officials and those who could see themselves involved in other aspects of football, courtesy of a Young Referees programme, Young Medical Officer programme, Young Reporters programme, CAF D License Coaching course and CAF Safeguarding programme.
This provides young people with the idea that when it comes to dreaming of being a part of the football industry, it is not only limited to kids who aspire to play for a living. It opens their eyes to the fact that it takes much more than good players for a club, or country, to thrive.
Without referees, an official game would perhaps not be possible. Developing talented medical practitioners would help clubs not only heal their players faster, but could also possibly prevent future injuries, leading to careers in which players could see more game time. Not only has CAF demonstrated a desire to improve things on the pitch, but these programmes demonstrate a desire to enhance football on the continent holistically, and once a good structure is in place for a majority of the countries, the sky becomes the limit.
In a move that would have inspired everybody in attendance, the abovementioned initiative was led by the continent's footballing body and also attended by industry experts who helped educate the youth. For the graduation ceremony, African legends including Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Adebayor, Amanda Dlamini, and Abdi Kassim were all present. One hopes that more of these sorts of seminars take place throughout the continent on a more regular basis as they are important steps to ensure the continent, as a whole, progresses and is able to compete closely with its European counterpart.
CAF third vice-president Souleiman Waberi was at the graduation ceremony, and after congratulating the participants, he spoke of the confederation's intention to continue developing the sport across Africa.
"The graduation marks another milestone in the ever-developing story of African football. Young Africans, some still in their tender teenage years, from across the continent have been equipped to take the African game to even greater heights," he said, per CAFonline.
"This speaks to the visionary leadership of CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe in developing future African leaders. Not only is this another ground-breaking initiative by CAF, but it is also an exemplary position that African football is setting for the continent to follow suit in ensuring that youth in Africa is educated and empowered."
Read: African club chief suspended for forcing players to have sex
Disclaimer: SNL24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on SNL24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of SNL24.