Cristoforetti calls for continuous growth of Futsal in Africa

ZAMBIA national futsal team coach Andrea Cristoforetti has called on CAF to come up with programs which will ensure the continuous growth od Futsal in Africa.

Speaking after guiding Zambia to a third-place finish in Group A at 2024 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Cristoforetti noted that it is unfortunate that teams in Africa only regroup every after four years to prepare for the Futsal Africa Cup which acts as qualifiers for the Futsal World Cup.

“Most of the countries only regroup in four years’ time. This is the problem with African futsal. we need programs for four years where we continue to work. if we only regroup once in four years then the growth will not be there. we need continuity in the organization of national futsal teams in Africa,” Cristoforetti said.

At the Futsal AFCON, Cristoforetti led Zambia to a 5-2 win over Ghana before losing to Angola and Morocco 8-5 and 13-0 respectively.

The Italian gaffer said Zambia had picked a number of lessons from participating at the AFCON and competing in a group which went on to produce the two finalists Angola and Morocco.

“The lesson at this level the quality of the technic the physicality the tactical aspect involved needs to be of optimum in order to be able to compete so these are the many lesson,” he said.

Cristoforetti has reaffirmed his commitment to continue promoting the growth of futsal in Africa.

“As I said before my role is to promote and develop futsal in Africa. It is important that we try to build a system that with time and with the support from all stakeholder, we can grow,” Cristoforetti said.