CAF Legendary goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba encouraged by next generation of African shot-stoppers
African football goalkeeping legend, Robert Kidiaba has urged goalkeepers participating at the ongoing CAF African Schools Football Championship Ghana 2025 finals to not underestimate the significance of their role in a team.
Kidiaba, who's acrobatic saves and memorable celebrations for The Leopards go down as one of Africa's fondest football memories was speaking to CAFOnline on the sidelines of the ongoing competition in Accra, where he is amongst a host of legends are providing mentorship and guidance to the youngsters.
Speaking to CAFOnline on Thursday, the now 49-year-old former TP Mazembe keeper urged the young shot-stoppers to continue improving their abilities as both keepers and ball playing players, as the modern day goalkeeper plays a huge role in both the team's defense and attack.
'The first role of a keeper is of course to be the last line of defense. However that role has evolved over the years. These days the ball is passed to his feet, and he restarts play. A goalkeeper must direct his defense a lot. A goalkeeper is the one who restarts the game. The modern day keeper must be able to actually play with his feet, in some instances, with both feet because they are now part of the build-up. Previously, keepers would just kick the ball as far as possible, now he needs to be able to spot a run and pass accurately into space' said Kidiaba.
The former DRC number one also heaped praise on what he has seen in Accra, saying that it is clear that the next generation of African goalkeepers will be among the best in world football due to their ability to make saves and be a part of play.
'I am quite excited with what I have seen so far. Both boys and girls keepers are very vocal, they can play, they can read the game and organise their defenders. This is what modern day goalkeeping is about and for us to see it done so well at this level, it speaks volumes to the ever-growing standard of African football', he concluded.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship Ghana 2025 continues on Friday where it will be entering the exciting knockout stages of the competition.
All matches are live on SuperSport and CAF's official YouTube channel, CAF TV.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
20 hours ago
- CAF
African champions Banyana Banyana name provisional squad for TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON title defence
TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) holders Banyana Banyana have taken another decisive step in their quest to defend their continental crown, with head coach Dr Desiree Ellis cutting her preliminary squad down to 28 players ahead of next month's showpiece in Morocco. The reigning African champions, who lifted the title in 2022 under Ellis' guidance are looking to cement their dominance on the continent once more. This time, they return to Morocco – the very country where they were crowned – with history and expectation riding on their shoulders. Africa will be watching closely as Banyana begin their final preparations. The trimmed squad will assemble in Johannesburg on 19 June, where 24 players will begin an intensive training camp. They'll be joined later by four overseas-based players still tied to club commitments. Notably absent from the upcoming camp is former CAF Women's Footballer of the Year, Thembi Kgatlana. Hildah Magaia, another key figure in Banyana's historic 2022 run, is still undergoing medical checks and will report to camp once cleared. The final 23-player squad will be announced on 23 June before the team jets off to Oujda, their base during the group stage. South Africa open their Group C campaign against Ghana on 7 July, followed by clashes with Tanzania (11 July) and Mali (14 July). The TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 kicks off on 5 July in Rabat with hosts Morocco facing Zambia in the opener. South Africa Provisional TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024 Provisional Squad: GOALKEEPERS: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon DEFENDERS: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O'Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede, MIDFIELDERS Sibulele Holweni, Linda Mothlalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Michelle Sampson, Adrielle Mibe, Kgalebane Mohlakoana FORWARDS: Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seopesenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
CAF launches exciting TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Webinar series on Monday
Published: Monday, 09 June 2025 The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) will on Monday launch the first of three webinars for media titled the 'TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight'. The series will give media insights from leading players ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024 that will be staged from July 5-26. The first session, to be held at 15:00 GMT, will be for French-speaking media and contains a star-studded line-up of players, along with moderator Katty Toure . The following players will take part: Sofia Guellati (Algeria): A centre-back for the Algeria national team and French side EA Guingamp. Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo): The DR Congo goalkeeper lifted the CAF Women's Champions League title with TP Mazembe in 2024. Agueisha Diarra (Mali): A forward for the Mali national team and Paris St-Germain. Safietou Sagna (Senegal): An attacking midfielder for the Senegal national team and US Saint-Malo. Chaima Abbassi (Tunisia): A defender for the Tunisia national team and NEOM, who she helped to the league title in Saudi Arabia this season. Set to take place over three seperate segments, there will also be webinars in Arabic (16 June) and English (23 June). The series will feature some of the continent's leading footballers alongside influential media voices in a compelling, multilingual format. Some of the other international women's football stars who will take part include reigning CAF Women's Footballer of the year Barbra Banda (Zambia), Doha El Madani (Morocco) and Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa). The sessions are designed to highlight Africa's deep reservoir of talent and celebrate the unique stories of players who are driving the women's game forward across the globe. Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON - DR Congo: Hervé Happy's Strategic Approach
Hervé Happy is the new head coach of the Leopards Women's team He promotes a three-pronged management style: combining authority, a paternal posture, and active listening He has travelled across Africa and Europe to build a balanced squad When Hervé Happy talks about football, he doesn't just string words together — he builds. Word by word, look by look, connection by connection. The new head coach of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's women's national team has a name that sounds like a promise, but in his world, neither luck nor euphoria sets the pace. At 47, Happy understands the weight of responsibility. One call from Kinshasa changed everything: a clear and ambitious proposal — to take charge of the DR Congo women's national team just weeks before the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set for July 5–26 in Morocco. The Cameroonian-born coach didn't hesitate. 'It's an honour, but more importantly, it's a mission,' he says calmly — a contrast to the urgency of the moment. Both a field man and an analyst, he's not venturing into unknown territory. As a technical advisor for the French Football Federation, stationed for several years at the Paris League, he led scouting and youth training programs. His method — built on high standards and knowledge-sharing — earned him the respect of the FFF's technical staff. Across Africa, he has also worked with several federations as a consultant and trainer. This dual African-European experience shapes a rare profile. DR Congo hasn't recruited a flashy name; they've chosen a builder. To assemble a solid team for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Happy got to work immediately. He analyzed match footage, launched talent scouting in Europe, conducted an initial training camp in Tanzania, and carried out several scouting missions in Lubumbashi. In a tough group — Morocco, Zambia, Senegal — he isn't looking for excuses, but for solutions. What was your first reaction when FECOFA contacted you to lead the women's national team? Hervé Happy: It's always a great pleasure. Leading a national team is an honour. And in women's football, it's a very interesting challenge. You have to build, mentor, and help players progress. That's what motivates me. How would you describe your management style? I'd say it's hybrid. You have to be authoritative when necessary, hands-on when needed, and sometimes take a more paternal approach. I have two grown daughters, so I understand what it means to be both demanding and attentive. It's about balancing those three styles at the right time. Your first impressions during the Tanzania camp? I already knew the group. I'd seen a lot of the players in Europe, watched many of their games. But it's always better to have them in a training camp, to see them live. That's when you see their attitudes, team spirit, and group dynamics. It's very enriching. What did you tell the players at your first meeting? I told them it's a joy to be here, to play football. First and foremost, football should be a pleasure. Yes, there's a competition, but I want them to approach each session with enthusiasm. This first camp, and the next, are for evaluating everyone. We'll then select 21 players and 3 goalkeepers for the WAFCON. DR Congo is in a tough group with Morocco, Zambia, and Senegal. Your thoughts? If a team qualifies for AFCON, it means they're good. I take every opponent very seriously. Morocco will have home advantage, Zambia is always tough to handle, and Senegal is progressing rapidly. We're preparing one match at a time, with discipline. What are the three core values you want to instil in this group? First, discipline — in behaviour, both on and off the field. Second, humility — always. And third, strong character. You need heart to turn situations around. We saw it with the men's CAF Champions League — often it's the drive that makes the difference. What would you say to a young girl playing football in Kinshasa or Goma? I'd tell her to keep playing! But also to join a club. Football should be about enjoyment first. At that age, we're not talking competition. They need to discover the game and play freely. Let them have fun without pressure. Just last night, we passed by a beach and saw kids playing beach soccer. That kind of spontaneous football teaches a lot too.
