Sarah Mukuna talks about CAF's efforts to improve the level of football governance in Africa
- Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
As part of a continent-wide effort to strengthen leadership and management within its 54 member associations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is organizing a series of governance training workshops across Africa.
After workshops held in Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Algiers, the fourth session took place in Cotonou, Benin from June 2 to 4. We spoke with Sarah Mukuna, Director of the Member Associations Division at CAF, at the end of the workshop to better understand the vision behind these sessions, the progress made so far, and the challenges that remain. This exclusive interview was conducted by Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou.
Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou: This is not the first workshop on governance. Why is CAF insisting on the issue?
Sarah Mukuna: This is actually the fourth governance workshop in an ongoing series. We began in Johannesburg, then moved to Addis Ababa, followed by Algiers, and now we're here in Benin, representing West Africa. The reason CAF continues to focus on governance is because it’s foundational to the growth and integrity of football in Africa.
We've structured these regional workshops to ensure that all 54 member associations have an opportunity to engage meaningfully with the subject. Smaller, regional sessions allow for deeper conversations, tailored learning, and the exchange of innovative ideas. Ultimately, our aim is to empower each federation with the tools and understanding needed to address governance challenges and build stronger, more accountable institutions.
What have you observed from the federations that led you to organize these workshops?
Mukuna: The decision to organize these workshops is rooted in the CAF President’s vision to make African football globally competitive and self-sustaining. That ambition goes beyond what happens on the pitch. While performance on the field is crucial, the way our federations are managed off the pitch is just as important.
We’ve observed that in many cases, the structure, clarity of roles, and overall governance within federations need strengthening. Does everyone within a federation understand their role? Do they know how their contribution supports the broader objective of advancing African football? These are key questions.
CAF exists because of our 54 member associations. As the President often reminds us, it is our duty to ensure that each of them is empowered and equipped to operate effectively. The strength of CAF depends on the strength of its members. These workshops are a direct response to that responsibility.
What was discussed during the workshop in Cotonou?
Mukuna: In Cotonou, we held a three-day workshop focused on two key pillars: general governance and financial governance.
On the first day, we explored the fundamentals of governance what it really means, and why it matters in football administration. We looked closely at the distinct roles and responsibilities of key actors within a federation: the President, the Executive Committee, the Secretary General, and the Finance Director. Each has a unique and essential function in ensuring a well-governed, high-performing organization.
The second part of the workshop focused on financial governance. We discussed how to manage federation funds effectively and transparently how to attract funding, use it wisely, and ensure financial sustainability. Overall, the workshop aimed to strengthen both structural and financial governance across member associations, ensuring everyone understands their role and is equipped to contribute to the growth of football on and off the field.
What challenges do you face when implementing these solutions?
Mukuna: One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring alignment across such a diverse continent. CAF has 54 member associations, and each one operates in a unique context with different capacities, resources, and priorities. We have large federations like South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria with more developed structures, but we also have smaller associations that are equally ambitious and striving to perform at the highest level.
The real challenge is designing and implementing solutions that are relevant and effective across this wide spectrum. It's about balancing the needs of both well-established and emerging federations, while still pushing forward the shared vision of the CAF President: to make African football globally competitive and self-sustaining. Ensuring that everyone moves forward together, despite different starting points, is no small task but it’s essential.
What is the responsibility of the member associations?
Mukuna: The responsibility of the member associations is to take ownership of what they’ve learned and apply it within their local context. Through these workshops, our aim is to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and best practices they need to strengthen governance within their federations.
We can’t make decisions for them but we can create a supportive environment where they gain insights, engage in meaningful dialogue, and learn from one another. Ultimately, it's up to the associations to implement the necessary changes. In particular, we hope to see empowered Secretaries General taking the lead in driving these reforms, ensuring that structures are aligned with good governance principles and capable of delivering real impact.
Our role is to support, guide, and enable but the real transformation must come from within each member association.
During the workshop, you asked questions to secretaries and financial directors. What did you observe about the challenges they face?
Mukuna: What I observed over the three days and it's something I've seen consistently across all four workshops is a strong sense of community among our member associations. There's a remarkable openness and honesty. Secretaries General and Finance Directors aren’t hesitant to share their challenges.
In fact, I was impressed to hear some say, 'We’re struggling in this area how can we improve?' And often, another federation would respond, 'We’ve faced the same issue here’s how we addressed it.' That level of peer-to-peer exchange is incredibly powerful. It shows that these workshops aren’t just about CAF delivering information they're about member associations learning from one another. They are the experts in their own contexts, and this platform allows them to connect, collaborate, and grow together. That spirit of solidarity and shared purpose is one of the most valuable outcomes of these sessions.
Did you notice a particular interest in women’s football from the federations?
Mukuna: Yes, absolutely. During one of the exercises, we asked participants to identify three key areas where they would like CAF’s support and overwhelmingly, women's football came up. I would say 80%, if not all, highlighted it as a priority. That’s exactly the kind of engagement we want to see, and it aligns perfectly with the vision of the CAF President who has placed women's football high on the agenda both now and going forward.
I was also encouraged to see greater female representation in the room this time. Federation Presidents and General Secretaries made a conscious effort to include women, and not only were they present they were active, vocal, and their contributions were taken seriously.
So yes, I’m excited about the growing focus on women's football, but I’m equally inspired by the growing role of women in football. That’s where real progress begins.
Finally, what’s your personal satisfaction after these three days?
Mukuna: For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the essence of these workshops come to life bringing our member associations together in one space where they can connect, share, and learn from one another. That spirit of collaboration is exactly what we envisioned.
It’s not just about delivering content; it’s about creating a platform where honest conversations happen, where ideas are exchanged, and where real solutions begin to take shape. Seeing that unfold over these three days has been incredibly rewarding not just for me personally, but for CAF as a whole."
