On the eve of the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, slated for 6 October 2025 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, top officials from West African football converged for a crucial WAFU-A zonal meeting with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
Representing The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) were the author and Executive Committee member Ismaila Ceesay, who also serves as President of the School Football Association. They joined the leaders of the nine WAFU-A member associations in presenting regional reports, discussing challenges, and aligning on future priorities.
Focus of the Meeting: Achievements and Challenges
The meeting centered on two broad themes:
1. Progress within WAFU-A
Member associations reported on developments in youth football, school-level competitions, coaching and referee capacity building, and grassroots development. In his presentation, the Gambian delegation highlighted standout accomplishments such as strong performances in the African Schools Football Championship, youth national team campaigns, and various training and development initiatives at home.
2. Persistent Obstacles
Several pressing constraints were brought to light. Foremost among them were the inability of some national teams to host home matches (often due to infrastructure or logistical limitations) and the chronic underfunding of national teams. These challenges, the Gambian delegation argued, hamper continuity and progress.
During the dialogue, the GFF representative extended a formal invitation to Dr. Motsepe to visit The Gambia (“the Smiling Coast of West Africa”), an invitation the CAF President accepted. In addition, the Gambian side urged that CAF consider offering more direct financial support to national associations, especially in easing the burden of team funding.
CAF & WAFU-A: A Broader Context
The 47th CAF Assembly offers a pivotal moment for African football governance. It brings together presidents of all 54 CAF member associations and representatives from the continental zonal unions to chart strategic direction. Prior to the main session in Kinshasa, each of the six CAF “zones” (including WAFU-A) held preparatory meetings to ensure that regional priorities and challenges are represented in the continental agenda.
During the WAFU-A meeting, Mustapha I. Raji, WAFU-A Vice President and President of the Liberia Football Association (standing in for WAFU-A President Lamin Kaba Bajo), praised Dr. Motsepe’s leadership and CAF’s ongoing investments in member associations. He noted that under his stewardship, the CAF Impact Program and other outreach initiatives have strengthened ties between CAF and regional federations.
In response, Dr. Motsepe commended WAFU-A’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of local development, self-sustaining national structures, and giving national teams the opportunity to play on home soil.
What This Means for Gambian Football
Greater Visibility & Networking: The Gambian presence at this high-level zonal meeting gives GFF a seat at the table, ensuring that its challenges and successes are heard by CAF leadership and regional peers.
Potential for Enhanced Support: The direct invitation to Dr. Motsepe to visit The Gambia could pave the way for closer collaboration or targeted developmental assistance from CAF.
Pressure to Address Structural Gaps: By spotlighting infrastructure, match-hosting capability, and funding deficits, the Gambian delegation is signaling where reforms and investment are most needed.
Regional Coordination: Through WAFU-A, The Gambia stands to benefit from regional support, knowledge-sharing, and cooperative programs implemented across neighboring associations.
Conclusion
The WAFU-A zonal meeting before the CAF Congress represents more than just formal protocol—it is a strategic forum where local aspirations, practical constraints, and continental resources must align. The Gambian delegation, by articulating its achievements and candidly addressing its challenges, has positioned itself as both a partner and a stakeholder in the success of African football.
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