Caf President Patrice Motsepe is determined that the African Football League will substantially reward footballers across the continent.
What Occurred?
Caf launched the African Football League (AFL) featuring eight teams, including Al Ahly, Simba SC, Pedro Atletico, Enyimba, Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca, and Esperance.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the champions of the Premier Soccer League, emerged victorious in the inaugural edition, defeating Wydad Casablanca in the final.
Caf President Patrice Motsepe has provided insight into the goals and purpose of the competition.
Also Check: Mfundo Vilakazi: Kaizer Chiefs’ Wonderkid Offered a Senior Team Contract
The Motsepe Remarks
“It’s a very good question [on how talents in Africa can be developed] that’s why we introduced the African Football League,” the administrator said in a presser during his recent visit to Angola.
“The Motsepe Foundation has been involved in football for more than 20 years because we love football and it’s a means to give back to the people of South Africa and the people of Africa.
“The young Africans go to Europe, America, and some even South America because historically they receive more money there. I have always encouraged players, because football is a short career, whilst you play, you have to make as much money as possible,” Motsepe continued.
“I encourage them to make as much money as possible for the future when they don’t play football.
“But I can assure you that 60% to 80% of the players who play outside Africa, we can compete with what they are paid in the Scandinavian countries, we used to see how much the highest-paid players get in Denmark.
“We used to see the highest-paid players in Norway, in Finland, Sweden, and many other countries, we can compete and pay our African players more than what they get in those countries,” he concluded.
The Greater Context
As a result of their AFL victory, Sundowns received a substantial prize of $4 million (equivalent to approximately R75 million).
Wydad Casablanca secured $3 million (around R57 million) as the runner-up, while each semi-finalist was awarded $1.7 million (approximately R32 million).
Teams eliminated in the initial stage received $1 million (roughly R19 million).
What’s On The Horizon?
Caf is striving to enhance the second edition of the annual tournament, signaling an increase in the number of participating teams.
The expansion of the tournament raises intriguing questions about the invitees, the tournament’s format, and the financial incentives for participants in the upcoming 2024 edition.
Useful Links:
