Category: Football Africa

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Club football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new coaching rules. Head coaches and assistants for senior national teams must hold a CAF A Licence or Pro to enhance coaching standards across Africa.

CAF has unveiled new coaching standards approved by the Executive Committee to raise coaching quality throughout Africa, thereby affecting national teams, every club event, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

According to CAF’s recent correspondence to Members Associations, Coaches without the necessary licenses must begin obtaining them now, but those hired before May 4, 2025, have a grace period until the end of the 2026/2027 season.

New coaches employed by clubs and national teams must meet the required credentials, as well as current agreements.

Coaches who miss the deadline standards will be prohibited from entering technical areas during official CAF events; they will also not be able to sign up as team officials or take part in team activities, therefore jeopardising their careers. Failure to follow instructions might result in more punitive measures.

“It is also important to underscore that in case of non-fulfilment of the above requirements, the affected coach would be prohibited from accessing Zones 1 and 2 of the stadiums during CAF matches.

Additionally, coaches will not be registered as team officials or permitted to participate in any official team activities.

Other sporting sanctions, including a referral to the CAF Judicial Bodies, may apply, ” the communication stated.

We take this opportunity to once again express our appreciation for your continued contributions to the development of African football and our continuous support to collectively enhance its future. We trust that you will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these new directives.”

This decision highlights CAF’s dedication to raising the standard of coaching and governance in African football by aligning it with international norms and hoping to increase the worldwide competitive presence of the continent.

New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
New CAF coaching requirements for National teams and Clubs football
Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Star Sport Academy attacker Kamara nets on Vejle Boldklub debut

Abdulai Kamara, who was with Star Sport Academy since the beginning of this campaign, scored on his debut for Danish side Vejle Boldklub in the Superliga.dk after his permanent move until 2029.

Vejle Boldklub played to a 1-1 draw against Randers on Sunday in the Danish Superliga. Kamara wasted no time recording his first goal, helping his side earn a point.

Having made 12 appearances, scoring 8 goals since joining Star Sport Academy from GFI Academy in Guinea, the 18-year-old offensive player has opened his account in Denmark.

Vejle is an exciting opportunity.

Abdoulaye Kamara, originally from GFI Academy in Guinea, is excited to join the 3F Superliga squad in Vejle. He expressed that the opportunity was unexpected but has been positive, noting the professionalism of the club and his teammates. As an offensive player, he enjoys having the ball and contributing to the team’s success.

Kamara mentioned the adjustment to a new country and the focus on training, praising the facilities and coaches for helping him improve. While the language barrier poses a challenge, he is committed to practising English and appreciates the support from his teammates. He is optimistic about his future in Denmark.

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco
by Football Sierra Leone

Ghana beat Algeria on penalties to set date with hosts Morocco

Following a 0-0 tie after in 120 minutes of play in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout. This win confirms their place in the semifinals against Morocco.

Saving penalties from Marine Dafeur and Ines Belloumou, goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was crucial. Evelyn Badu’s ultimate penalty delighted players and supporters.

Ghana were more energetic, and the game was very hotly fought. Stella Nyamekye’s first-half strike was ruled out for offside, and Badu failed a vital opportunity near the end of normal time. The shootout resulted from both sides’ difficulties in generating chances.

Algeria left the competition with no goals against, whereas Ghana hopes to capture their first continental championship following three prior second-place finishes. Tuesday at 19:00 GMT marks the semifinal against Morocco.

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad
by Football Sierra Leone

Carlisle United sign Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi to bolster squad

As the club tries to rebuild its team after relegation from the English Football League, Carlisle United Football Club has formally confirmed the purchase of seasoned Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi on a two-year deal.

After a brief stint at Cypriot side Anorthosis, the 30-year-old player reunites with Brunton Park, having previously spent four years in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell. Mugabi played 125 times during his time at Fir Park before leaving in the summer of 2023.

Originally from the youth academies of Fulham and Southampton, Mugabi became well-known during his time at Yeovil Town, where he played in the English Football League before relocating north of the border. He has 20 caps for the Uganda national team on the global stage.

Carlisle United’s head of recruitment, Martin Foyle, praised the defender’s profile, adding, He has a wealth of experience from Scotland, overseas, and international football; he has a great attitude that will help to raise expectations on and off the field.

Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo heading to Manchester United
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo heading to Manchester United

Brentford has accepted Manchester United’s £65 million offer for Bryan Mbeumo. Before Ruben Amorim’s team departs for their preseason tour on Tuesday, the Cameroon international might undergo a medical checkup with the club.

Following the summer acquisitions of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon, the 25-year-old winger is expected to be United’s third signing.

Originally bid £55 million at the beginning of June, United made a further bid of £62.5 million after that month; neither of which was accepted.

The most recent bid Brentford has accepted has an initial £65 million that might rise to £70 million with £5 million in possible extras. From Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo will be the most costly transfer Brentford has ever made.

With one goal for France at the U17, U20, and U21 levels, Mbeumo won ten caps. Following a London meeting with Samuel Eto’o in August 2022, Mbeumo proclaimed his senior international allegiance to the Cameroon national team.

With three appearances coming during Cameroon’s 2022 World Cup campaign before the team’s group stage exit, he made nine appearances and scored one goal during the 2022–23 season.

Having featured in three of Cameroon’s four 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games and scoring one goal, injury disqualified Mbeumo from the ultimate competition.