Nairobi - CAF TV and Broadcasting Head (Commercial), Luxolo September, has cautioned African football stakeholders against an unhealthy obsession with European leagues, urging the continent to invest in strengthening and commercialising its competitions.
Speaking in Nairobi during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), September commended East Africa’s organisational success while stressing the importance of sustaining progress beyond the tournament.
“For me, the legacy of this CHAN is that it will be a catalyst for something new,” September told NTV.
“What’s being done here - the fruits of it will be experienced by Kenya in the long term. The beneficiaries will not only be CAF - it’ll be the media, the leagues, and the supporters.”
September described East Africa as a “sleeping giant” with immense untapped potential.
“East Africa is a sleeping giant. With 400 million passionate individuals, it makes sense,” he said.
“Kenya finally has a benchmark to prove that it can host big events. The Government of Kenya, President Ruto, and Kenyan Football Federation (FKF) leadership owe us credit for their determination to make this CHAN work.”
Acknowledging the logistical and security hurdles involved in hosting tournaments, he cautioned that African football must not lose momentum once competitions end.
“You must build on the heritage - it can’t perish on the 30th of August,” he said.
“The Kenyan Premier League must improve. Police, Gor Mahia, Mathare, and Tusker clubs must be names in every household again. It will not happen overnight - you require institutions, professional administration, and continuity.”
September was particularly critical of the continent’s reliance on foreign football.
“End the fetishising of European leagues. We don’t profit from them. Construct your own. Keep your best players home. Commercialise your leagues, media-friendly, and professional,” he urged.
He also outlined CAF’s broader vision under President Patrice Motsepe, pointing to growing prize money in women’s football and increased financial support for continental club competitions.
“The culture is excellence. With President Motsepe, there are no compromises - only standards,” he said. “Yes, mistakes are made, but the heart is in the right place. That leadership is what African football needs.”
The CAF official concluded by stressing that Africa’s football growth requires long-term commitment and planning. “It will not happen by magic or slogans,” he stated firmly.
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