Aspiring Gabonese reporters learn sport journalism fundamentals at CAF African Schools Football Championship qualifiers in Libreville

Aspiring sports reporters in Gabon have been introduced to the fundamentals of sports journalism through the CAF Young Reporters programme conducted through the CAF African Schools Football Championship Capacity Building programmes.

A group of young reporters in Gabon have been introduced to the fundamentals of sports journalism through the CAF Young Reporters programme conducted through the CAF African Schools Football Championship Capacity Building programmes.

The workshop was held on Tuesday, 10 March at the Gabonese Football Federation in Libreville.

The training forms part of the ongoing capacity-building activities organized by leading up to Thursday’s start of the final leg of  CAF African Schools Football Championship Zonal Qualifiers set to be conducted for the UNIFFAC Zone.

While the young footballers prepare to compete on the pitch, about aspiring student reporters spent the week sharpening their skills in sports media, gaining insight into the different aspects of covering the game professionally.

The workshop was led by experienced sports journalist through CAF’s Young Reporters Programme partnership with Canal+.

Through interactive discussions and practical sessions, the participants explored key pillars of sports journalism, including the role of the reporter, match commentary techniques, interview skills and the fundamentals of journalistic investigation.

For the young attendees, the opportunity to learn directly from a seasoned professional proved particularly valuable.

“It’s a pleasure for me to exchange with a highly experienced professional who allows us to benefit from his experience. The discussions have been very enriching and we were able to ask many questions related to sports journalism”, said participant Nathan Michel Aboghé.

The workshop concluded with a practical exercise in football match commentary, introducing the students to the distinct roles within a commentary team – highlighting the role of a commentator and a tactical analyst.

Adding further excitement to the session, the young reporters also interacted with on interim national team coach Anicet Yala, who participated in a mock interview exercise, giving the students an opportunity to apply the interview techniques they had learned during the training.

The initiative highlights CAF’s commitment to holistic development within the CAF African Schools Football Championship, where capacity-building programmes are organized alongside the competition to empower young players, educators and aspiring sports media practitioners across the continent.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals will take place next month where each of the CAF Zonal Union champions will contest the crown of being African champions in both the boys and girls U-15 divisions.

Details of the host venue and dates will be communicated in due course.

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