In a significant move for African football, Confederation of African Football (CAF) has through the leadership of President Dr Patrice Motsepe formed the African Clubs Association (ACA).
The ACA’s mission has been outlined as a measure to protect and promote the interest of football clubs across the continent and to improve their professionalism.
The ACA’s objectives include protecting and promoting the interests of African football clubs, ensuring their commercial viability, global competitiveness, and building partnerships with sponsors, among others.
The ACA also seeks to ensure that referees, match commissioners, and VAR operators are respected, credible, independent, and world-class; and to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the African football scene.
Tanzania Yanga SC’s Chairman, Hirsi Said has been chosen as the inaugural president of the association, Kaizer Chiefs’ Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung, has been appointed vice-president and Paul Bassey from Nigeria’s Akwa United, as the second vice president.
Kaizer Chiefs Chairman Kaizer Motaung lauded the appointment as his daughter continues to break into male dominated spaces.
“Her appointment is a great accomplishment, both personally and professionally. We commend her on being a trailblazer, for breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, locally and on the continent.”
“Jessica’s election as Deputy Chairperson of ACA not only highlights her capabilities and vision, but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring female leaders within the sport locally and on the continent,” Motaung Snr added.
The headquarters of the association will be based in Kenya, marking a new chapter for the continent’s football clubs.
