Kaizer Chiefs’ Jessica Motaung Holds Club Football Up As the Lifeblood of AFCON Success

• Jessica Motaung is Kaizer Chiefs' marketer and Vice-President of the African Club Association
• She is also part of CAF's women's forum and is leading the growth of female football in Africa
• The African Clubs Association is a platform to promote the interests of clubs of the continent

The success of AFCON 2023 could be looked back on as a pivotal moment in the continent's history.

A few months before the tournament, CAF announced the formation of the African Clubs Association (ACA), an organisation aimed at promoting the interests of clubs across the continent.

Kaizer Chiefs' Jessica Motaung was elected Vice President and has been in Abidjan in January and February, enhancing relationships and refining the ACA's framework.

The successful businesswoman has led Kaizer Chiefs' marketing push for several decades and will bring her commercial knowledge to the continental arena.

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She noted how international teams are entirely dependent on the strength of domestic clubs and stated ACA would be aimed at ensuring clubs are optimised for financial growth.

In an interview with SABC Sport, Motaung said:

"AFCON wouldn't be here if you didn't have clubs. It's really a very important space to be and I'm just so excited. I have an excellent chairperson in [Hersi A. Said] and I look forward to us making a difference."

The ACA is modelled on the European Club Association, which was formed in 2008 and has since become a dominant force in Europe.

Among the burning topics of their discussions in Abidjan, were the advancement of the women's game and the designation of an African city to be the association's headquarters. She added:

"Most importantly I think it's a lot of research, listening and understanding what is needed. There are different regions that will be sharing what their challenges are and how we can best improve things."

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AFCON 2023 was a resounding success that was viewed globally and combined with the establishment of the ACA, the African game can springboard into the future.

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Sports Brief has also previously reported on Kaizer Chiefs' Motaung joining the African Club Association.

The organisation is the brainchild of CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, aimed at giving clubs a unified voice.

The inaugural Chairman of the ACA is Hersi A. Said, the President of the Tanzanian club, Young Africans SC.