Nigeria Leagues
AFL stalled as Jessica Motaung explains why Africa’s ‘elite league’ vision is on hold
By Dayo Awoniyi
Africa Clubs Association (ACA) deputy chairperson Jessica Motaung has delivered the clearest explanation yet for the abrupt standstill of the African Football League (AFL), admitting the project has been paused due to structural, logistical, and competitive realities that the continent can no longer ignore.
Launched in 2023 with substantial fanfare, the AFL was envisioned as a transformative “elite league” for African club football.
Its inaugural eight-team pilot edition, won by Mamelodi Sundowns under coach Rulani Mokwena, was expected to mark the beginning of a larger, long-term competition. Instead, the project fell silent after that debut, signalling deep-rooted issues that must be resolved before the league can advance.
Motaung, who also serves as a Kaizer Chiefs board member and marketing director, said the AFL’s suspension is the product of several converging challenges.
“It’s a lot of factors,” she said. “Right now, it’s on hold because you need strong leagues before you create an elite league. Even in Europe, a similar concept didn’t work—so we have to ask why.
“Scheduling is a big issue. Players are exhausted; they’re playing too many games and too many competitions. Look at those who went to the Club World Cup—they are drained. We need to sit down and review the calendar.”
She warned that launching a continental super league without reinforcing domestic competitions would destabilize national football ecosystems.
“You can’t create this elite league if your local leagues are not strong. When AFL was introduced, my first question was: how will this affect the PSL? That’s why it ended up being a one-month event instead of a year-round league. Domestic leagues matter.
“The pilot raised important questions, and we must evaluate whether it is something we can sustainably replicate.”
Motaung said the ACA’s priority now is strengthening clubs to operate as financially stable, independently run institutions.
“Our mission is to help create strong, viable leagues and clubs. That’s why we’ll be signing an MOU with FIFA—to collaborate, attract funding, and uplift African club football.
“Clubs are the foundation of the game. South Africa and North African leagues show how independent leagues can thrive and generate revenue. The focus now is using that experience to strengthen the continent.”
She emphasized that only after domestic leagues are fortified, club structures stabilized, and long-term sustainability secured can Africa realistically revive its dream of a continental “elite league.”
