By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs marketing director Jessica Motaung has been elected as a deputy chairperson in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) African Club Association (ACA)
The announcement was made by CAF in a statement on Thursday.
The African Clubs Association (ACA) was launched on November 30 in Nairobi, with Motaung being appointed as their first ever Vice-President.
The ACA is the brainchild of CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, aimed at giving clubs across the continent a unified voice in promoting domestic interests and the collective fortunes of elite clubs.
The chairman of the new organisation is Hersi Said, the president of Tanzanian side Young Africans.
Motaung, who also sits on the CAF and SAFA women’s committee, has described the formation of the ACA as a significant moment for African football.
“Well a very significant moment, not just for Kaizer Chiefs but for African football,” She told African football journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
“I am just very proud to be here and be able to serve the game the way that I can, added Motaung.”
My strength is the commercialisation of the game, I think that’s important looking at where African clubs are and the opportunity to get corporates and just get clients to the game and the marketing of the game.
“So that’s important for me and I think I can work very closely with the board and the president to do that, “she added.
Motaung has also emphasised the importance of collaboration among the clubs and all stakeholders for the growth of the game.
The ACA is the latest project of Motsepe’s Caf, that also this year launched the inaugural Caf African Football League. The eight-team tournament, which carried a first prize of $US 4 million, was won by Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Wydad Casablanca in the final.
Meanwhile Banyana Banyana secured 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso in their Wafcon first-leg qualifier at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Thursday as defender Janine van Wyk ran out in her 184th match for South Africa.