The African Football Confederation (CAF) is hosting a critical training session for female instructors this week in Ethiopia, aiming to elevate the quality of women’s football coaching across the continent.
This event marks the culmination of the Women’s Instructors Development Program (WIDP), a training initiative that began months ago through online modules and is now being brought to life in person.
Meskerem Goshime, CAF’s head of women’s football development, highlighted the significance of the session as a pivotal moment for the program.
“This gathering represents the collective culmination of everything we’ve learned virtually,” Goshime explained. “It’s not just about acquiring knowledge but validating it through personal and collective engagement. We are now witnessing the human side of this process.”
The WIDP is part of CAF’s broader efforts to establish a sustainable foundation for women’s football in Africa, addressing the pressing need for qualified coaching at every level of the game.
Goshime emphasized that this initiative is a key element of CAF’s long-term strategy to restructure and grow women’s football on the continent.
“What we see today is the groundwork for a future that is more inclusive, equitable, and unified,” she continued. “Football is a universal game, and it knows no gender.
However, coaching remains a field where gender disparities are still prevalent. This imbalance must be addressed, and we are committed to making that shift.”
The program seeks to equip female coaches with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to drive change and build a more balanced football ecosystem.
The goal is to provide women with opportunities for growth, not just as players, but as coaches, referees, and administrators. By empowering women in these roles, CAF hopes to create a more inclusive and diverse football culture across Africa.
Through WIDP, CAF has focused on providing high-quality coaching education, aiming to foster a generation of female coaches who will inspire future talent. As part of the initiative, the training sessions are designed to address various aspects of coaching, from tactical knowledge to the practicalities of managing teams and players.
The in-person sessions in Ethiopia offer a unique opportunity for the participants to collaborate, share experiences, and refine their coaching strategies with the support of experienced mentors.
Goshime also stressed the importance of these efforts in the context of CAF’s broader vision for women’s football. “Training is the key to transformation,” she said. “We are building the next generation of female coaches, who will play a crucial role in ensuring the growth and success of women’s football across Africa. This program is just one step, but it’s a vital one in our long-term plan.”
CAF’s commitment to improving women’s football in Africa is also reflected in the continuous efforts to increase the visibility of the women’s game, with plans to enhance competitions, invest in grassroots development, and provide greater support for women in football leadership positions.
As the training session continues in Ethiopia, the overarching message from CAF is clear: the future of women’s football in Africa lies in the hands of qualified, empowered female coaches.
By addressing the gender imbalance in coaching, the continent can unlock its full potential, ensuring that women’s football receives the recognition, respect, and support it deserves.
