Young African girls are being holistically developed thanks to CAF – Amanda Dlamini

Former Banyana Banyana player, Amanda Dlamini says the equal opportunity CAF is granting to both boys and girls bodes well with the growth that African football is currently experiencing.

Dlamini, who made history at the recent TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire by becoming the first woman commentator at CAF’s flagship competition was speaking at a welcome dinner for the girls U15 teams at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals in Zanzibar.

Dlamini is at the four-day competition (21 – 24 May) as part of the invited CAF Legends to share their experience and words of encouragement to the budding stars.

"I am excited and honored to be part of such an initiative by CAF. We grow up in rural areas without infrastructure, and you probably wait 20 years to get on your first flight to represent your country. Yet CAF, through this tournament has fast tracked this process for these youngsters and affording them a unique experience of international football”, said Dlamini.

The former midfielder who represented the reigning African champions at two TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON tournaments (2010, 2012), also shared her views on the CAF Capacity Building programmes that are currently taking place on the sidelines of the competition in Zanzibar.

"I have to commend CAF for ensuring that grassroots football isn't just about development, but also about giving kids and opportunity to feel represented.  Had I had the opportunity for such workshops, it would have prepared me for life after football and other career paths. I am excited that these young girls get to experience football holistically. It's not just about talent but also career opportunities and the diversity of meeting other young girls”, Dlamini concluded.