OPINION: How the African Football League will elevate continental club football

The African Football League was officially launched by CAF. (CAF Twitter).

FOOTBALL OPINION: How the African Football League will elevate continental club football

Peter Tabu • 14:11 - 03.09.2023

This concept, which had been in discussion for quite some time, was officially confirmed in August 2022. Originally named the African Super League, it was rebranded as the African Football League.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has welcomed its newest addition, the African Football League, which is set to breathe fresh life into the continent’s football scene.

This concept, which had been in discussion for quite some time, was officially confirmed in August 2022. Originally named the African Super League, it was rebranded as the African Football League.

CAF has announced that the inaugural season will feature eight of Africa’s most renowned and successful teams from three different regions on the continent.

“The first edition of the AFL will showcase eight of Africa’s most celebrated and successful teams from three regional blocks: the North, Central-West, and South-East regions,” stated CAF.

Black Stars legend Asamoah Gyan conducting the African Football League draw. (CAF Twitter).

Representing the North Region are Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco’s Wydad Athletic.

Meanwhile, the Central-West Region is represented by Nigeria’s Enyimba and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Tout Puissant Mazembe.

The South-East Region is represented by Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, Angola’s Petroleos de Luanda, and Tanzania’s Simba SC.

The AFL draw took place in Cairo, and the competition will kick off with the quarter-finals played on a home-and-away basis.

Simba will take on Al Ahly, TP Mazembe will face Esperance, Enyimba will clash with Wydad, and Sundowns will challenge Petro de Luanda. The tournament will run from October 20th to November 11th, 2023.

According to CAF, the inaugural AFL tournament serves as a precursor to a fully-fledged competition featuring the continent’s top 24 clubs.

This expanded event is scheduled to commence during the 2024/25 football season.

Having these elite African clubs participate in a separate competition, distinct from the CAF interclub tournaments, is a significant platform for showcasing the immense talent and skills that the African continent has to offer to the world.

Furthermore, the AFL serves as a motivational catalyst for other clubs across Africa to strive for excellence.

Improved rankings will bring them closer to the top-tier teams, offering the promise of progress.

Prize Money

A substantial prize pool of $100 million is up for grabs, with the champion securing $11.5 million.

A portion of this money will be allocated to the development of each federation, reflecting CAF’s commitment to preventing wealth concentration among a few prominent clubs while others languish.

Tags: