Disclosing this in Abuja yesterday, CAF Communications and Public Relations Director, Suleimanu Habuba said that while there is no sponsor at present, the continental body was currently in negotiations with a number of companies.
“The competition will take place in Abidjan next year, and there are two or three venues that we are discussing with the inspection team, led by CAF and Fifa Executive Committee member, Dr. Amos Adamu, which will be in the Ivory Coast during first week of May to inspect facilities for the event,” Habuba added.
“This competition was not created by one senior CAF official, but was discussed from the grassroots for two years before finally being approved by the 12 executive committee members at a meeting in Johannesburg.”
Habuba explained that the tournament is aimed at encouraging those playing on the continent.
“Each continent has its own reality, and we have a social responsibility to move this continent forward. In our reality, we should not be focusing on what other people say; we want to give it a trial and see what comes out of the competition.
“It is also an opportunity for players in our domestic leagues to play in national team jerseys. We cannot say it is a success until we see what happens at the end of the competition. So far, we are positive and happy with the response,” he stated.
