Former Ghana International Anthony Baffoe wants the introduction of youth Champions League in Africa and believes it will prepare young footballers in their career development.
The FIFA Coordinator is part of a huge number of ex-footballers who were present at the Africa Football Symposium in Morocco where they deliberated on a lot of issues.
Primary among the issues were changes to the Africa Cup of nations timing, the increment of numbers of nations and the format of the African Champions League.
Meanwhile, Tony Baffoe who is a big advocate of youth football revealed at the symposium how important it is to have some of these competitions.
“What we concluded to present to CAF is that, the youth need more education, counseling to get them adequately prepared on their next career step. Parents to be included, federations and player unions to work closely together, to advise players from dad agents.”
“Also to build youth academies, a well-structured one around Africa which should be adapted by teams and certificated by federations.”
“Our Long time vision is to create a well-organized youth league, regular academy tournament of all categories and a youth Champions league. Pilot to start on regional bases once good structure is in place.”
“A ‘life after football fund ‘to be created to support players, with a ‘CAF dream team’ to be setup to play gala around the continent to raise funds to boost life after football fund and players in hardship.”
“Legends to serve as ambassadors and roles model for the youth for CAF and various cooperates social responsibility programs and also Legend to server on various CAF committees.”
“FIFPRO Division African to create more unions in Africa, to get minimum salary cap for players and insurance.”
Elsewhere on the continent, especially in the southern Zone they organize youth competitions like the COSAFA under-20 championship.