CAF and COSAFA leave legacy of knowledge in Stellenbosch
There has been a hive of activity on the sidelines of the CAF African Schools Football Championship | COSAFA Qualifier South Africa 2025 this week, with a series of workshops and training programmes aimed at developing skills across all areas of the game.
While the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-15 competitions kick off on Friday – with the finals scheduled for Sunday – referees, coaches, young players, medical staff and aspiring journalists have already been hard at work in Stellenbosch growing their knowledge and capacity.
These initiatives form a vital part of the Confédération Africaine de Football and COSAFA’s commitment to leaving a long-term legacy of development in host communities.
COACHING D-LICENCE COURSE
An eight-day CAF D-Licence coaching course brought together 30 participants from across the local region, with most selected from community clubs and schools.
The training provides an introduction to formal coaching methods and gives aspiring mentors the foundation they need to progress into youth and senior football development structures.
The course blends classroom learning, practical field sessions and mentorship from qualified instructors.
REFEREE INSTRUCTORS WORKSHOP
This six-day workshop united referee instructors from around the region for advanced training on the latest trends in refereeing, including rule updates, game management and match preparation.
It aims to standardise elite instruction methods and improve the quality of match officials at grassroots and national level.
YOUNG REFEREES WORKSHOP
Young referees appointed for the CAF African Schools Football Championship | COSAFA Qualifier South Africa 2025 underwent dedicated training sessions that also included promising local match officials.
MEDICAL WORKSHOP – LOCAL
Doctors and medical personnel from local clubs participated in a one-day workshop designed to refresh and update their knowledge.
MEDICAL WORKSHOP – TEAMS
A separate medical workshop was conducted for team doctors and physiotherapists from the 10 participating Boys’ and Girls’ teams.
YOUNG DOCTORS PROGRAMME
Thirty high school learners took part in a one-day Young Doctors workshop aimed at inspiring the next generation of medical professionals.
SAFEGUARDING – LOCAL
Educators from surrounding schools attended a safeguarding workshop focusing on child protection principles, recognising signs of abuse, and understanding proper reporting channels to ensure safe football environments.
SAFEGUARDING – TEAMS
Players from all participating Boys’ and Girls’ teams are receiving safeguarding guidance from trained instructors during the competition. This includes the rights of young athletes, behavioural expectations, and knowing how to seek help should concerns arise.
FOOTBALL ANALYTICS
Coaches enrolled in the D-Licence course also had access to a three-day introductory programme on football analytics. The course explored how data, video analysis and performance metrics can support coaching decisions and strengthen tactical planning.
DIGITAL DRILL
Twenty school learners will take part in this two-day coding and digital skills course, aimed at equipping youngsters with foundational knowledge in one of the world’s most in-demand fields.
GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL
Eighty local children participated in a grassroots football festival supported by D-Licence coaches. The clinic introduced key technical skills, promoted teamwork and encouraged a love for the game among young boys and girls.
YOUNG ENERGY CHAMPIONS WORKSHOP
In partnership with CAF sponsor TotalEnergies, a two-day Young Energy Champions programme was held for 30 high school students.
NUTRITION PRESENTATION WITH DANONE
CAF sponsor Danone hosted a nutrition session for all players in the competition, educating them on healthy eating habits.
