“I start first by thanking His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as well as the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the Moroccan people. I am very proud of Morocco’s role in the development of football at the of Africa”, affirmed Mr. Motsepe in a statement to the press, at the end of the draw for the women’s CAN-2024, which will be held in the Kingdom from July 5 to 26, 2025.
Praising the sports infrastructures in Morocco which are also “available for Africa”, Mr. Motsepe insisted that the Moroccan model should be followed at the continental level.
“I call on African countries to take as a model the partnership and cooperation between the different institutions in Morocco, in this case, the government, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and other actors,” said the head of African football.
Addressing the women’s CAN-2024, the draw of which took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, the CAF president said he was convinced that this edition will be ”exciting especially after the level displayed by the African selections at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The level and quality of women’s football have evolved a lot recently, he noted, adding: “We will witness the best of African women’s football and Africa will show the whole world the talent of African players.”
For his part, Mr. Lekjaa indicated that once again, the Kingdom of Morocco, thanks to the strategic and proactive vision of HM the King, will welcome African players in this continental competition.
“As usual, the players and the public will find in Morocco their second country which welcomes its African brothers” underlined the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
On a sporting level, this edition constitutes an opportunity for the Moroccan selection to demonstrate the great progress of women’s football in Morocco, thanks to the High Royal Solicitude, affirmed the Moroccan official.
At the end of the draw for the Women’s CAN-2024, Morocco, the host country, will play in Group A alongside DR Congo, Senegal and Zambia.
Group B consists of Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana, while Group C includes South Africa, Ghana, Mali and Tanzania.
How can African nations implement the cooperative model discussed by Dr. Amina Bamba to enhance their football programs?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert Dr. Amina Bamba
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Bamba. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve just read some exciting news surrounding the upcoming women’s CAN-2024 in Morocco, and I wanted to get your insights on it. The president of the Confederation of African Football, Mr. Motsepe, recently praised Morocco’s role in developing football across the continent. What stood out to you in his statement?
Dr. Amina Bamba: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. Mr. Motsepe’s acknowledgment of Morocco’s contributions to football in Africa is significant. It highlights not only Morocco’s infrastructural investments but also its commitment to enhancing the sport at a continental level. His emphasis on thanking King Mohammed VI, as well as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, speaks volumes about the strong leadership present in Morocco’s sports sector.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. He mentioned the sports infrastructure available in Morocco being accessible for the rest of Africa. Can you elaborate on what aspects of this infrastructure you believe can be beneficial for other countries?
Dr. Amina Bamba: Certainly! Morocco has invested heavily in its sports facilities, including modern stadiums and training centers. These resources aren’t just for local use; they’re designed to be utilized by national teams from various African countries for training camps and competitions. This cooperative approach can drastically enhance the level of play across the continent. By sharing such facilities, we can promote healthier competition, better preparation, and ultimately, a higher standard of football in Africa.
Time.news Editor: Mr. Motsepe urged African nations to adopt Morocco’s model of partnership and cooperation between various institutions. In your opinion, what does this ‘Moroccan model’ entail, and how can it be replicated in other African nations?
Dr. Amina Bamba: The Moroccan model essentially revolves around collaborative governance between sports federations, governmental bodies, and the private sector. Such partnerships can lead to strategic planning, resource sharing, and holistic development of sports programs. For example, Morocco has seen successful initiatives in women’s football, showcasing how joint efforts can yield impactful results. Other nations can replicate this by fostering similar partnerships, ensuring that various stakeholders work together towards common goals in sports development.
Time.news Editor: With the upcoming women’s CAN-2024 being hosted in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2025, what does this mean for women’s football in Africa?
Dr. Amina Bamba: The hosting of the women’s CAN-2024 is monumental for several reasons. It sheds light on the increasing recognition of women’s football and provides a platform for showcasing African talent on a global stage. Moreover, an event of this magnitude encourages investment in women’s sports programs, inspiring young female athletes across the continent. It’s a strong message that women’s football is a priority and that the continent is committed to developing it further.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring! Lastly, what do you hope will be the long-term impact of these developments on African football?
Dr. Amina Bamba: I hope to see a ripple effect throughout the continent, where football becomes more inclusive and accessible, particularly for women and underrepresented communities. The advancements in infrastructure and the increased focus on partnerships can lead to a stronger football culture in Africa. My ultimate hope is that these efforts will cultivate a generation of skilled athletes who can compete on international stages, elevating the status of African football worldwide.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Bamba, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that the future of African football, especially women’s football, is bright with collaborative efforts like those we’ve discussed.
Dr. Amina Bamba: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold and contribute to the growth of football across Africa.