By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
In a bold move set to redefine the landscape of small-sided football across the continent, the African Confederation of Football 7 (AFC7) has entered into a strategic partnership with the BRICS International Sports Center.
The alliance agreed this Friday in Rabat marks a significant step forward in advancing the popularity, professionalism, and international recognition of Football 7 in Africa and beyond.
The collaboration was formally announced under the leadership of AFC7 President Jacques Bamnga, whose vision has been instrumental in steering the organization toward global engagement. The new agreement aims to combine AFC7’s growing African influence with BRICS’s expansive international network in sports innovation, education, and infrastructure development.
Expanding the Reach of Football 7
Football 7 — a dynamic variant of the traditional 11-a-side game — has been gaining traction across Africa for its accessibility, fast pace, and suitability for community-level development. The partnership with BRICS International Sports Center is expected to accelerate this growth by bringing in resources, expertise, and a global platform for African players, coaches, and referees.
The deal outlines plans for jointly organized high-level competitions, continental coaching seminars, and youth development programs designed to identify and nurture grassroots talent. According to officials, these initiatives will not only raise the technical standards of the sport but also promote cultural exchange between Africa and the BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
A Shared Vision for Global Integration
Under the guidance of President Jacques Bamnga, AFC7 has been pushing to align African Football 7 with international structures. Partnering with an institution as globally oriented as BRICS International Sports Center underscores that ambition.
“This alliance opens doors for Africa’s Football 7 community to connect with the world,” said an AFC7 official close to the negotiations. “It’s about sharing expertise, creating opportunities, and giving our athletes the exposure they deserve.”
For BRICS International Sports Center, the collaboration fits within its broader mission of using sport as a vehicle for diplomacy, education, and sustainable development. The organization has previously supported initiatives across multiple disciplines — from youth academies to sports science programs — emphasizing cooperation among emerging economies.
Looking Ahead
The partnership will likely see the launch of continental tournaments under the joint AFC7–BRICS banner, as well as training programs that could certify African coaches and referees for international competitions. Beyond the technical and organizational aspects, the alliance is poised to foster economic and cultural bridges between Africa and the BRICS nations through sport.
With this announcement, the AFC7 signals that Football 7 is not merely a recreational version of the game but an evolving discipline with the potential to unite communities and elevate Africa’s sporting profile on the world stage.
As President Jacques Bamnga continues to drive innovation and outreach, the AFC7–BRICS partnership stands as a major milestone — one that could transform the future of Football 7 across the continent and cement Africa’s place in the global conversation around emerging sports.
Copyright©2025 kick442.com-Cameroon
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
French 
English