Motsepe Foundation
By Sello Masilo
The Motsepe Foundation, led by South African billionaire mining magnate and Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, has made a monumental $10-million (R200-million) donation to this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championships. This significant contribution highlights the foundation’s dedication to uplifting youth and fostering development through sports and education across Africa. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from April 21 to 26, 2025, will feature fierce competition among boys’ and girls’ teams, with impressive prize money on offer: R6-million for winners, R4-million for runners-up, and R3-million for third-placed teams in each category. South Africa, a consistent contender, returns to the continental finals for the third consecutive year, showcasing its dominance in the regional Cosafa championships.
A Game-Changing Donation for Youth Football
The $10-million donation from the Motsepe Foundation is set to elevate the CAF African Schools Football Championships, a key initiative aimed at promoting grassroots football and education across the continent. The substantial prize money—$300,000 (R6-million) for winners, $200,000 (R4-million) for runners-up, and $150,000 (R3-million) for third-placed teams in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions—will fund legacy projects such as school renovations and community development initiatives. This financial boost aligns with the foundation’s mission to improve the lives of marginalized communities and reflects Patrice Motsepe’s vision of making African football self-sustaining and globally competitive through investment in youth development.
South Africa’s Unmatched Record
South Africa has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the CAF African Schools Football Championships, qualifying for the continental finals for the third straight year. The boys’ team, represented by Clapham High School in the inaugural 2022/23 event in Durban, finished as runners-up before exiting at the group stage in last year’s tournament in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Meanwhile, the girls’ team, who debuted as Edendale Technical High School, has also been ever-present, though they struggled to advance beyond the pool stages in Durban.
Their success at the regional level is even more remarkable. South Africa boasts a 100% record in the Cosafa championships, winning both the boys’ and girls’ titles in 2022, 2023, and most recently in October 2024 in Walvis Bay, Namibia. In the latest qualifiers, the boys edged out Zambia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while the girls mounted a stunning comeback to defeat Malawi 3-1. These victories underscore South Africa’s commitment to youth football and its potential to shine on the continental stage in Ghana.
Ghana: A Footballing Powerhouse Hosts the Finals
Ghana, home of the Black Stars and a cradle of African football talent, will host the 2025 continental finals in Accra. Known for producing legends like Abedi Pele and Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s rich footballing heritage makes it an ideal setting for this prestigious youth tournament. The event will take place at the University of Ghana Stadium, a modern venue that promises an electric atmosphere for the competing teams and fans alike.
Eight nations—Ghana, Algeria, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda—will vie for the boys’ and girls’ trophies, showcasing the depth of talent across Africa. The tournament’s structure, which includes national and zonal stages culminating in the continental finals, ensures broad participation and a high level of competition.
A Platform for Growth and Inspiration
The CAF African Schools Football Championships go beyond crowning champions; they provide a platform for young athletes to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. With the Motsepe Foundation’s support, the tournament also incorporates capacity-building programs that equip participants with life skills such as leadership and teamwork. This holistic approach aligns with CAF and FIFA’s broader goals of using football to drive education and social progress.
Patrice Motsepe has emphasized the transformative power of such initiatives, stating, “The best investment we can make to ensure that African football is amongst the best in the world is to invest in schools’ football and youth development.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also praised the program for instilling values like discipline and fair play in young players.
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