UCT, CAF Football Management Executive Programme hailed a success

The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Confédération Africaine de Football’s (CAF) Football Management Executive Programme concluded on Friday 6 September, with delegates receiving certificates for their participation.

Football executives from the African continent converged in Cape Town for a week of teaching and learning, in a bid to strengthen how executives drive and enhance the growth of football in Africa. There were representatives from – among others – Namibia and Libya, as well as leaders in women’s football across the continent.

The participants were based largely at UCT’s Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB); however, they did spend time in and around other UCT campuses and went on several excursions around Cape Town.

UCT GSB director Dr Catherine Duggan congratulated the participants and looked forward with enthusiasm to the effects the programme will have on football. “Congratulations not only for what you’ve done this week, but for everything you did prior to this week. And congratulations ahead of time for everything you will do, having been here; for the things you will do differently, and for the insights you will bring back to your teams.”

“The certificates now are a measure of congratulations for the work you have put in.”

Dr Duggan continued, “I’ll never forget the young man who taught me about football. I said, ‘it’s all about getting the ball into the net, isn’t it?’ And he said, ‘No, it’s all about knowing where your teammates are, and then passing to them at a critical moment for the team to win.’ And that is the kind of teamwork we’re looking for. The certificates now are a measure of [achievement] for the work you have put in; and they are also an assignment, that this knowledge and the relationships built do not end here.”

League administrator for the Namibia Football Association, Joanitha Gowases is looking forward to sharing her experience with fellow administrators. Though the experience was “short”, she said effusively that “it was insightful, and I learned a lot that I can take back home and plough back into not only Namibia but Africa as a whole.”

‘Human face’

For Emmett Crayton, general secretary of the Liberia Football Association, his participation was down to his belief that “I can make a difference in African football”. While he was actively engaged in the course, Crayton said he was blown away by the people of the university. “I was struck by the people; the organisation; and above all, the way the presentations were delivered. They were insightful, meaningful, and we learned a lot. From here, we need to take another step.”

He added that his wish for the next round of courses is to have a strong focus on how associations can be supported better.

“The pilot study is meant to elevate the status of football in Africa, and for its leaders to lead it into the 21st century. It is also to raise the profile of football for the future,” said Nicola Latchiah, manager of global learning at the UCT International Office.

The International Office director Quinton Johnson delivered the vote of thanks. He said that when CAF director Sarah Mukuna and advisor Lyrique du Plessis first visited him, they articulated their dream for African football, which he believed UCT could help fulfil. He further explained that the dream should be connected to UCT’s destiny, which is to strengthen African football through excellent education such that in the fullness of time, an African nation will win the FIFA World Cup. This will be catalytic to Africa rising beyond adversity to bring peace and prosperity to all and giving the world a more “human face”.

Furthermore, he acknowledged the wonderful contributions of the CAF and UCT staff in making the partnership successful and shaping the future of African football.