Young African Football Club owner, Maleagi Ngarizemo, has expressed satisfaction with the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to increase financial support for clubs participating in continental competitions.

This follows last week’s announcement by CAF president Patrice Motsepe that all clubs taking part in the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup will receive US$100 000 (approximately N$1.7 million).

“I am very happy. The biggest challenge has always been funding. Now that this is sorted, we should be able to compete every year,” Ngarizemo said.

Namibia will be represented by African Stars, the winners of the Debmarine Namibia Premier League, and Young African, who finished as runners-up.

The financial support has doubled from last season’s US$50 000 (around N$888 000), according to Soccer Laduma. The move is aimed at easing the financial burden on clubs and enhancing the growth of African football.

“I am very happy with the steps underway to increase CAF’s financial contributions by 100% to the approximately 130 clubs competing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup,” Motsepe said during a CAF executive meeting.

He added that this funding will significantly contribute to youth development, infrastructure, and the global competitiveness of African football.

During the same meeting, the CAF Executive Committee revealed a shortlist of global marketing firms bidding to partner with the confederation in a proposed US$1 billion investment over eight years.

Motsepe also praised African clubs for their growing impact at the FIFA Club World Cup and promised stronger showings in the future.

Meanwhile, Ngarizemo also confirmed that Young African has fulfilled CAF’s requirement for men’s interclub competition eligibility by partnering with a women’s football team—Beauties FC. This mandate is aimed at advancing the development of women’s football across the continent.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na