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CAF
13 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
CAR begin historic CHAN journey with 30-man provisional squad
The Central African Republic (CAR) have named a 30-man provisional squad and launched intensive preparations for their historic debut at the TotalEnergies 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking a new chapter in the country's footballing story. Led by coach Eloge Enza, the Fauves de Bas-Oubangui are undergoing rigorous daily training sessions at the Barthelemy Boganda Stadium in Bangui, with a double session scheduled every day. The squad is made up entirely of locally based players – a key requirement of the CHAN tournament. In a passionate address at the dawn of training, Central African Football Federation (FCF) President Célestin Yanindji called on the team to carry the pride of the nation. 'This is not just football. It is an extraordinary adventure to represent your country,' he declared, rallying the players to fight for the flag and write their names into the annals of African football. 'Behind every dribble, pass, and goal are thousands of supporters who believe in you. Stay focused. Stay united. Victory is our mission,' Yanindji said. The 2024 CHAN, scheduled for August 2025 across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, is Africa's premier competition for players active in their domestic leagues. For the Central African Republic, this marks their first appearance in the competition, a landmark moment. Drawn into Group B, the RCA will face formidable opposition including hosts Tanzania, as well as Madagascar, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso – all CHAN veterans with significant tournament experience. Preparation for the squad will be in two phases: three weeks of home training in Bangui followed by two weeks abroad, including three international friendly matches yet to be officially announced. The goal is not only to fine-tune tactics and fitness but also to build mental toughness and cohesion in a team mostly untested at this level. Coach Enza, a respected figure in Central African football, has placed strong emphasis on physical conditioning, tactical discipline, and unity. The inclusion of exciting young talents like striker Nze Ronaldo and midfielder Galabazi Angelo underlines the balance between raw potential and experience in the squad. With the nation rallying behind them, the players are not only chasing CHAN qualification glory – they are carrying the dreams of a football-loving people desperate for continental recognition. The road to August will be long and demanding, but for the Central African Republic, the CHAN is more than a competition. It is a symbol of progress, pride, and a rare opportunity to inspire hope through the beautiful game. Full Provisional Squad – Central African Republic (CHAN 2024) Goalkeepers:Abimala MaurilleAmalimoto BonargesNgarssouma Saturnin Ganazou Thibaut Fulgence Defenders:Nangbema BenjaminSouango MichaelBasset CherubinTongba IsmaëlYangao MichaelBeito RufusKokpapa CyrilleKaimba Stéphane Miambaye Fourdeau Midfielders:Yangana ArnoldNdokomandji MelkiMonguide GhislainGalabazi AngeloGuesset DonaldTchibinda SidneyGbenou Boris Guiakoue Saul Forwards:Kaya Loïc TonnerFayanga YanKogbeto DimitriZoumarra Ange ElyséeGuindjipou VianneyMokonou DelphinNze Ronaldo Momi Hilaire
CAF
05-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Education at the Heart of TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON: The Pioneering Initiative of the Central African Football Federation
As the CAF TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 takes place in Morocco, an innovative project has been launched by the Central African Football Federation: providing academic support to the young players of the national team. Aware of both academic and athletic challenges, the federation has deployed three teachers—specialists in mathematics/physics, French, and history-geography to ensure that education continues for these teenagers during the competition. Commitment from the Central African Federation to the Players' Future Participation in an international competition like the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON is a privilege, but it presents a major challenge: the schooling of young players. Mr. Amédée Nbongo, a member of the executive committee of the Central African Football Federation and head of the delegation for this tournament, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. "We are working with youth who are still in school. At the start of the competition, they had to pause their classes. The Federation therefore took the initiative to set up an academic program so they wouldn't fall behind in their studies', says Nbongo. Each day, the players receive one to two hours of lessons. The schedule is carefully organized to balance matches, training, and academic sessions, without compromising the team's physical or tactical preparation. An Organization Tailored to the Players' Needs To ensure effective support, the teachers use various methods. Basile Doudou Selemy, one of the team's players, explains how he continues learning while staying focused on the tournament: "With my teachers, we decided to use the folder method. They give me lessons and exercises I can work on at my own pace. The teachers are there to help me understand and correct my mistakes." This method combines independence with guidance, allowing players to maintain their educational rhythm. Ousmane Tanko Binguimale, a grade 10 student greatly benefits from this support: "I'm weak in math. But the teachers help us with methods and approaches. Before, I didn't understand equations. Now we've worked on them, and it's going much better." A Structured Academic Program The three teachers sent by the federation created a curriculum based on the players' needs. Mr. Hugues Cyriaque Mokossé Bongolo, mathematics teacher, explains the goal of his lessons: "Today we're working on equations and inequalities, since that's a major area of concern for the students. We adapt to their needs and reinforce the key concepts." In French, the lessons focus on literature and grammar, to help the players express themselves better—especially during post-match interviews. François Koyembe, a national team player, highlights the importance of this training: "It's important to follow French lessons. If I have to give an interview after a match, I want to be able to speak well and show that I have a good command of the language." History and geography lessons help players deepen their knowledge about their country and the world, giving them a better understanding of cultural and historical dynamics. A Driving Force for an Inspiring African Model This initiative is also part of the Safeguarding program launched by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In June 2023, CAF and its Safeguarding division adopted essential measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for young players. Ganafe Junior, the safeguarding officer for the Central African team, emphasizes the importance of this effort: "An uneducated footballer faces many obstacles. Without a solid education, he may mismanage his career—especially when signing contracts. Too many agents take advantage of players' lack of understanding of legal terms in their agreements." The positive effects of this initiative are already noticeable. Players are developing confidence and independence, reflected in both their academic progress and performance on the field.
