A new generation of young African match officials is set to be unearthed thanks to CAF’s forward-thinking and innovative youth football competition, the CAF African Schools Football Championship.The second season of the CAF African Schools Football Championship recently concluded its Zonal phase, where 12 winners, equally split between boys and girls under the age of 15, earned their place in the upcoming CAF African Schools Football Championship Finals scheduled for May 21–24, 2024, in Zanzibar.##NAJAVA_MECA_8088822##While providing an opportunity to compete internationally at a young age is a key focus area of the competition, at the heart of the programme envisioned by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, is the investment of Youth in Africa and the development of future African leaders.For this reason, part of the various capacity-building programmes that run concurrently with the on-field football action is the CAF Young Referee’s Programme, which sees teenage boys and girls being gradually inducted into the CAF Refereeing structuresThe CAF Young Referee’s Program comes at the realisation that not all aspiring footballers will turn professional, but through such programmes, they can remain a part of the beautiful game.CECAFA officials embrace successful zonal tactical workshop in CairoKey to the programme at this level is the basic introduction and understanding of the Laws of the Game, which is accompanied by practical illustrations led by highly experienced CAF referee instructors.With each of all six CAF’s zonal unions having held a Young Referee’s Program during the African Schools Football Championship Zonal Qualifiers, the Finals in Zanzibar are set to be an exciting platform for CAF to showcase the next generation of young African match officials.The CAF African Schools Football Championship Features boys and girls under the age of 15 and is a first for world football. The innovative programme and addition to CAF’s youth football competitions are the brainchild of CAF President Motsepe, in line with his vision of investing in the youth of Africa.Junior Starlet exuding confidence ahead of Ethiopia clash© CAF
