Hersi Said Set to Address CAF Clubs as Yanga President Takes Centre Stage in Egypt

Young Africans SC president and African Club Association (ACA) chairman Eng. Hersi Said is set to share his experience and insights with leading African football clubs during an important workshop in Egypt on Thursday.

The event will bring together clubs participating in the group stages of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, providing an opportunity for football administrators to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and explore ways to improve club football across the continent.

Said's expected appearance places him among the key figures contributing to discussions about the future of African club football. As the president of Tanzanian giants Young Africans, popularly known as Yanga, and chairman of the ACA, he brings experience from both club management and the broader administration of African football.

His involvement is particularly significant as clubs continue to navigate the demands of competing at continental level while building sustainable organisations capable of challenging for major honours.

Said's leadership role within the African Club Association is centred on strengthening the position of clubs in the continent's football structures. The organisation provides a platform for club representatives to raise concerns, discuss commercial opportunities and advocate for better governance and financial sustainability.

The Cairo workshop is expected to address several important areas of competition management. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the two-day programme on October 29 and 30 will cover competition regulations, match organisation, refereeing, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) procedures, anti-doping requirements and club responsibilities.

Commercial regulations, television production, digital activities, media operations, stadium security and disciplinary matters will also feature on the agenda. These subjects are crucial for clubs preparing to compete in tournaments that demand strong organisation both on and off the pitch.

For South African football supporters, the workshop will be worth following as the country's clubs continue to pursue success in continental competitions. Lessons shared at such gatherings could help participating teams improve their planning, administration and understanding of CAF's requirements.

The discussions also come as CAF increases its investment in its major club competitions. For the 2026/27 season, the Champions League winners are set to receive a record $6 million, while the Confederation Cup champions will earn $4 million.

The increased prize money highlights the growing commercial importance of African club football and the need for teams to develop professionally managed structures that can sustain success over time.

Both competitions will feature 16 clubs in their group stages, divided into four groups of four. The opening matches are scheduled for November 27–29, 2026, giving teams a limited period after the workshop to finalise their preparations.

Said's expected address will therefore come at an important moment for African football, with clubs preparing for another demanding continental campaign.

His experience at Yanga and within the ACA places him in a position to contribute to conversations about the realities facing clubs across Africa. The key challenge will be ensuring that discussions translate into practical improvements in competition management, financial stability and club development.

Ultimately, the Cairo gathering represents an opportunity for African football leaders to strengthen cooperation and raise professional standards as the continent's leading clubs prepare to compete for continental silverware.

Source https://x.com/MickyJnr__/status/2115549743510372513?a=ZqmD2o0aPEygfEiytM4&s=19