October 18, (THEWILL) – The African Football League (AFL) is set to kick off in Tanzania on Friday but will look very different from the ambitious plans originally announced.
The competition was launched in 2022 as the CAF Africa Super League, with a record prize money of $11.5 million for the winners. There were supposed to be 24 clubs competing in 197 matches across the continent, culminating in a final that CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, called the “Super Bowl of Africa”.
However, Motsepe has since admitted the AFL has struggled to attract sponsors, leading to a scaled-back first edition. The prize money has been cut to $4 million and only eight clubs will take part, with a two-leg final rather than a showpiece match.
The competition has Visit Saudi as its major sponsor but was named only a week before the opening match between Simba and Al Ahly. There have been logistical issues like visa delays and equipment hold-ups ahead of other matches.
Coaches like Ahly’s Marcel Koller have complained about the crowded schedule, with players returning from international duty just two days before matches. But despite the troubled start, there is hope the AFL can establish itself and work towards the original vision
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
