CAF Announces Technical Study Group for WAFCON 2024 in Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the formation of a Technical Study Group (TSG) for the upcoming TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, set to take place in July 2024. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the quality of women's football across the continent, is led by Raul Chipenda, the Director of CAF's Technical Development Division.

The TSG is composed of a diverse group of seasoned football experts, former coaches, and analysts who will be responsible for studying and documenting the intricacies of the competition. Their role will extend beyond mere observation; the group will analyze tactical trends, playing systems, and individual and team performances throughout the tournament. The insights gained will culminate in a comprehensive post-tournament technical report, which will provide recommendations for CAF member associations and coaches, ultimately aiming to elevate the standards of women's football in Africa.

"The formation of the TSG represents our commitment to the ongoing development of women's football in Africa," said Raul Chipenda in a statement released by CAF. "By analyzing the tournament in detail, we can identify best practices and strategies that will benefit the game across the continent."

The members of the TSG include notable figures in women’s football: Sheryl Botes, the head coach of the Uganda women’s national team and a long-time advocate for women's football; Leah Sweetness, a CAF-certified instructor focused on youth development in southern Africa; and Lamia Boumehdi, a pivotal figure in Moroccan women's football who previously coached the Morocco U20 Women’s National Team. Other members include Radia Fertoul from Algeria, Jacqueline Shipanga from Namibia, Shilene Booysen from South Africa, Clementine Touré from Côte d’Ivoire, and Bernadette Anong from Cameroon.

Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise. For instance, Sheryl Botes has been instrumental in promoting technical development in women's football, while Jacqueline Shipanga serves as the Technical Director of the Namibian Football Association, a role she uniquely occupies as a woman in the continent’s football administration.

The TSG will also be responsible for selecting official awards during the tournament, such as “Woman of the Match” and “Best XI.” This added responsibility underscores the group's influence on the tournament's recognition of outstanding performances.

The initiative aligns with CAF's broader strategy to improve coaching standards and player development. The TSG’s findings will not only inform future training and talent identification programs but will also be disseminated through workshops and educational materials aimed at coaches and football associations across Africa.

As the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 approaches, the efforts of the TSG are expected to significantly contribute to the growth and visibility of women’s football within the continent. The tournament is scheduled to commence on July 5, 2024, and will feature 26 matches showcasing some of the best talent in women's football.

For more information on the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024, interested parties can visit the official CAF website at www.cafonline.com.