As part of CAF’s ongoing efforts to combat player trafficking and exploitation, the captains of all teams participating in the U-20 WAFU Zone B AFCON qualifiers read messages during matches to raise awareness of the critical issue of human trafficking. players.

National U-20 captain Edwin Asamoah Kuffour played a leading role in this awareness campaign, reading powerful statements to the crowd before each of Ghana’s matches in Lomé, Togo. His message emphasized the importance of creating a safe environment for young footballers and protecting them from exploitation.

Addressing the crowd ahead of the U-20 national team’s matches against Benin, Togo and Ivory Coast, Kuffour highlighted the reality of player-trafficking, pointing out that young players with dreams of professional careers are often cheated by fake agents.

In his first message, he said: “The dream of becoming a professional player must never turn into a nightmare. Together, let’s refuse the trafficking of young players and work for a safe and conducive environment for their development. Parents, team managers, match officials, coaches, referees, FIFA player agents, journalists and sports fans, let’s unite to say NO to player trafficking protect the dream.”

Before the team’s second match, captain Asamoah Kuffuor, among others, stated that, “Player trafficking is a crime that deprives young athletes of their future. Every year, young talents are torn from their families with the promise of dreaming careers abroad, but many find themselves abandoned by ‘fake agents’ and without resources.” He concluded by calling for an end to player trafficking. “Together, let’s end this practice. Let’s PROTECT THE DREAM,” he concluded.

The initiative, part of CAF’s “Protect the Dream” project, insists on the importance of awareness and taking preventive measures. Through efforts like these, CAF and the GFA strive to ensure a safe and supportive environment for players, focusing on preventing exploitation and promoting a culture of care for young footballers in Africa.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS