In recognition of the pivotal role research plays in shaping the future of football on the continent, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unveiled the CAF Research Hub. This innovative initiative marks a significant leap forward in supporting African football development, with a specific focus on providing valuable assistance to CAF's Member Associations and their respective projects.
Led by the CAF Member Associations Division, the Research Hub underlines CAF's commitment to leveraging research for the advancement of football in Africa. It is poised to offer data-driven insights into African football, conducting research that not only informs strategic action but also gathers evidence specifically relevant to the unique African context.
Sarah Mukuna, CAF Member Associations Director, emphasized the mission of the CAF Research Hub to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge among Member Associations and various stakeholders in African football. The Research Hub places a strategic focus on key areas, including Youth Football, Women's Football, Football Administration, Medical, and Football Performance.
To kickstart its impact, the pilot phase of the project is set to launch simultaneously across all six Zonal Unions alongside the second edition of the CAF African Schools Programme. This initiative aims to utilize existing data to provide insightful perspectives into the dynamics of African youth football and assess the tangible impact of the CAF African Schools Football Championship on the continent.
Lead researcher Dr Nonhlanhla Mkumbuzi applauded the CAF Research Hub as a significant initiative that opens avenues for collaboration between member associations and research institutions across the continent. The Hub's potential impact extends to stakeholders in African football, providing them with an evidence-based foundation for data-driven decision-making and capacity-building initiatives at all levels of the game.
As the first phase of research concludes, CAF envisions a transformation of its development structures to offer enhanced services to all Member Associations, spanning both sporting and administrative realms. The CAF Research Hub ushers in a new era for African football through strategic research and evidence-based insights.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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