The Confederation of Independent Football Associations (CONIFA) takes great pleasure in announcing that the first ever African Football Cup will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa in May of 2022, writes Tom Howe.
Four teams will take part in the inaugural competition, hailed by CONIFA Global President Per-Anders Blind as a ‘unique opportunity to not only show top level football but also to celebrate the beauty of the people of Africa’.
Biafra FF, Yoruba Nation FF, Matabeleland FF and Pro Arena Sports FF will be drawn against each other during CONIFA’s Football Strategy Days (April 22-24), with the format following two semi-finals, a third place play-off and a final.
The two-day competition will take place in the breathtaking amphitheater of the Johannesburg Stadium on May 21-22, 2022 and will mark a major milestone in the development of CONIFA within the African continent.
Ngala Maimo Wajiri, Continental President for CONIFA Africa, said: “It’s a pleasure talking about this reality that has been long awaited. The start is never easy and we find ourselves in that position now as a continent operating under CONIFA. It’s a great pleasure that we will finally be having the maiden edition of the CONIFA African Cup.
“We are beginning our maiden edition with four and of course have plans to add to the numbers in subsequent editions. We have barely two months to prepare for this tournament, we have work to do. No time to sleep till we achieve our goals.
“Personally I am grateful. Special thanks to the Global President Per-Anders Blind, European President Alberto Rischio, Mr Orcun Kamali, Global General Manager Dr Fabio Puntillo, Mr Michael Ukaha and all those who have contributed in making this dream a reality.
“Special thanks to Pro Arena Sports for the wonderful work and the bright man behind it, Mr Tevin Blignaut. Africa is grateful.”
Tevin Blignaut, CEO of Pro Arena Sports, himself said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate President Ngala Wajiri on this massive announcement – to be hosting the inaugural CONIFA Africa Cup 2022 here in South Africa.
“The event presents an amazing opportunity for collaboration, new relationships, partnerships and a massive platform for talented athletes, coaches and support staff to showcase their talent in football on a continental level.
“I’d also like to congratulate Pro Arena Sports and the team that put all the effort into pitching, discussing and negotiating with CONIFA Africa for them to partner their brand with us so that we could make history together.
“So now that history has been made and the CONIFA Africa Cup is coming to South Africa – we’re going to do everything in our power to deliver a world class sports spectacle that brings lasting memories for the athletes, coaches, fans in attendance and the nations that are lucky enough to participate.
“Our aim is to deliver an event that announces the CONIFA Africa brand to the world, to deliver a championship that is worthy of the world’s attention.”
Per-Anders Blind, Global President of CONIFA, added: “The CONIFA Africa Football Cup is finally here. Even if it’s a continental tournament, the event will gain a massive global interest, both from fans and media around the globe.
“This tournament couldn´t be done without the excellent pre work done by our Continental President, Mr Ngala Maimo Wajiri in collaboration with Pro Arena Sports.
“A global organisation as CONIFA isn´t 100% complete until we have actions that celebrate the people our member represents, in all continents. For many years, we’ve worked hard and committed from a global level to present a representative tournament for Africa as a continent.
“A unique opportunity to not only show top level football, but also celebrate the beauty of the people of Africa, educate the world of the continent’s greatness, filled with an amazing culture and fantastic stories.
“2022 is for sure a historical year for CONIFA and one of many milestones has finally been reached – and this is just the start for a journey of a hundred years to come.
“Therefore I’m really happy to see that the Africa Committee delegates are growing, both in numbers and engagement – much thanks to the leadership of our Africa Continental President.
“Our ambition is that this tournament will be a springboard towards an even brighter future for our African members. As Global President I wish the organisers, all the players and team delegates good luck in May.
“You are all fantastic ambassadors, both for your people – but also for the whole Continent – true heroes.”
More information and contacts
CONIFA is the football federation for all associations outside FIFA. It’s a global non-profit organization that supports representatives of international football teams from nations, de-facto nations, regions, minority peoples and sports-isolated territories.
Inquiries:
Global media: Please contact Tom Howe, tom.howe@conifa.org
CONIFA Africa: Please contact Ngala Maimo Wajiri, ngala.maimo@conifa.org
Online:
CONIFA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
CONIFA Africa: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Pro Arena Sports: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
