Ensuring a Secure Event: CAF’s Safety and Security Department at CAF African Schools Football Championship

Less than a month remains before Zanzibar kicks off the much-anticipated CAF African Schools Football Championship Finals 2024, as 12 Teams equally split between U-15 boys and girls representing the six CAF Zonal Union champions will compete for the ultimate African crown.The CAF African Schools Football Championship is enjoying great success and similar to other CAF competitions, the competition set to run between 21 – 24 May 2024 is set to attract great interest from fans, media, and various African football stakeholders.

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With this in mind CAF’s Safety and Security Department has made assurances that safety and security at the upcoming Finals will be of paramount importance in ensuring that the event upholds CAF’s highly set safety and security standards.

Speaking to media ahead of the four-day youth competition, Head of CAF’s Safety and Security Department, Dr Christian Emeruwa said safety and security play a pivotal role in enhancing CAF’s operational capabilities and as a result, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to a safe and secure Finals.

“The safety and security department of CAF plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational capabilities. Through rigorous training and continuous improvement, the department equips local organizing stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage safety and security risks. Site inspection visits and proactive engagements further bolster preparedness, ensuring a safe and secure environment from arrival in Zanzibar to departure – encompassing stadiums, hotels, and all event-related locations”, said Dr Emeruwa.

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CAF’s enhanced safety and security measures were evidently displayed for the world to see earlier this year at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, where thousands of fans, media and key stakeholders’ safety was upheld across all five host cities thanks to the measures put in place by CAF.

For the upcoming Finals in Zanzibar, CAF has since conducted a series of detailed site inspections at key operations areas of the competition which include stadia, hotels, airports, training sites and travelling routes.Under the guidance of CAF, the Local Organising Committee in close partnership with Zanzibar’s law enforcement agencies have over the last few months worked closely in establishing strategic safety and security plans to ensure a safe and incident-free experience for the expected visitors.

“Amidst the thrill of competition and camaraderie, safety and security remain paramount concerns. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) in collaboration with public law enforcement agencies and under the guidance of CAF, is steadfast in its commitment to delivering a world-class event while ensuring the well-being of all participants. The mission of the CAF Safety and Security department extends beyond this tournament, aiming to foster a culture of safety and security at all CAF competitions”, concluded Dr Emeruwa.

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The CAF African Schools Football Championship features boys and girls under the age of 15. It is a first for world football and a brainchild of CAF President Dr Motsepe – in line with his vision of Investing in the Youth of Africa.