Jessica Motaung addresses pressing issues for African Clubs Association
- Martin T
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
African Clubs Association (ACA) deputy chairperson Jessica Motaung stated that the persistent issue of fixture scheduling across the continent remains a significant challenge, one that the organisation is committed to addressing directly with CAF.
The pressing issue of fixture congestion, a "conundrum" according to Motaung, will become even more personal for her next season. A club where she is the Marketing and Commercial Director, Kaizer Chiefs, is set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, potentially adding to an already demanding schedule that has plagued top South African sides.
The challenges of balancing domestic and continental commitments were starkly evident in the recently concluded Betway Premiership season, where Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC found themselves playing catch-up with a backlog of fixtures in the domestic scene.
To find a solution, Motaung has compiled a list of these critical matters, which ACA is now preparing to present to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for immediate attention and resolution.
"Us, as ACA, see a number of things we need to talk about and improve, one of the things is scheduling," said the Amakosi marketing genius.
"I also think it's important for us to start looking at the leagues, examine how strong they are, and what can be done to improve them.
ACA's deputy chairperson also expressed confidence that the ACA's concerns would be heard by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, noting his personal experience in club football is expected to make him receptive to their agenda.
"President Patrice Motsepe understands the challenges and costs of running a big club, and managing the costs of being in a tournament of this nature, and the fact that CAF has come in and increased the prize money by 100%, and given clubs that participated in the prelims- 50 000 USD, goes a very long way," she added.
Meanwhile, Motaung aims to leverage the progress made under Motsepe's leadership at CAF. She cited advancements in broadcast rights as a key area of improvement that the ACA seeks to expand upon.
"Television has played a key role, and many broadcasters have come on board, which gives access to a wider support base. The broadcast element advertises African football, which allows us to receive the investment, as well as to scout and showcase the very best African football talents."
With CAF having unveiled a new CAF Champions League trophy in Johannesburg this week, Motaung expressed confidence that this was yet another testament to the organization's commitment.
