Kudos to Caf for increasing Afcon field

The move by Caf to increase the number of participants from 16 to 24 in the Africa Cup of Nations is both positive and commendable. Although it is not clear when this will come into effect, there is a huge possibility that there will be 24 teams participating at the next Afcon in Cameroon.

In fact, unless there are really big stumbling blocks, I foresee 24 teams in Cameroon.

This is good because it means more teams get to the competitive stage of the tournament. Don’t get me wrong, the qualifiers are competitive, but because the venues are spread over long distances, teams are likely to lose their focus and steam.

Injuries, loss of form and such instances make it difficult for teams to maintain their balance and system hence some coaches employ a “smash-and-grab” plan and qualify, only to struggle at the actual event.

The event gets even bigger as almost half of the continent’s countries will be involved in Afcon at one go. More excitement will be generated.

With 24 teams the qualifying system works even better as two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify. This will give the smaller countries a better chance at qualifying and who knows, we might even see the likes of Swaziland and Malawi become regulars at

Sibongiseni Gumbi

Afcon.

We really also need more teams from the southern region participating in the tournament. Zambia and Bafana Bafana have been the only regulars over the past years, but now the likes of Zimbabwe and Mozambique are better positioned to add to that.

The tournament will be moved from January/February to June/ July, which is wonderful news for us as it will now complement our football season which goes from July to May unlike in other African countries where it is January to November.

This has always been in the pipeline, but one felt it was never given serious thought just because one country felt it went against their season. The fact that it was against the world norm didn’t matter to the old administration.

European clubs – where thousands of African players eke out a decent living through football – had always called for this move which would put them in a better position to release their players.

We now await to see if these changes will finally hit the Caf club competitions. This may take a little longer though as each country may have to first change their domestic seasons to run from July to May. Caf president Ahmad will have to treat this issue with respect and ensure buy-in from all the member associations.

It is heartening to be able to write positively about Caf doing its job which was hard to do in the previous administration. One hopes Ahmad will be the decent leader African football has been waiting on for so long.

It is time for Africa to stand up and be counted.

Based on talent, I believe we should already have had World Cup champions from Africa and the positive strides taken are fertile grounds for that to happen.