African football stands at a defining crossroads.
In 2019, FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed a continental super league that would unite Africa’s top clubs under one banner.
CAF officially launched the project in August 2022 in Arusha, Tanzania, describing it as a bold step toward transforming the financial and competitive future of club football in Africa.
Originally called the Africa Super League, it later became known as the African Football League (AFL).
The inaugural edition took place in 2023 with eight elite clubs.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns lifted the trophy, but the competition paused soon after.
Despite its short first run, the concept remains a blueprint for long-term transformation.
Ambition for a Stronger Continental League
Gianni Infantino first revealed the idea in the Democratic Republic of Congo during TP Mazembe’s 80th anniversary celebration.
He envisioned a league featuring the top 20 African clubs, generating up to 100 million dollars annually.
The revenue, he said, would help fund world-class stadiums in every African nation.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe later confirmed the project’s development, promising large financial returns for clubs and emphasizing its potential to rival the CAF Champions League.
Lifting African Club Standards
The proposed Super League aimed to feature 24 top-ranked clubs divided into three regional groups.
These teams would qualify based on performance, professionalism, and infrastructure.
Each club would also be required to operate a youth academy and a women’s team.
Such structure would have raised football standards across Africa.
Regular high-level competition encourages better coaching, scouting, and tactical evolution.
Facing elite opponents more often drives progress and consistency.
Economic Transformation Through Football
CAF offered 4 million dollars to the winner of the first edition, 3 million to the runner-up, and over 1 million for quarter-finalists.
That prize structure was the highest ever in an African club competition outside the CAF Champions League.
Increased revenue would allow clubs to modernize stadiums, expand youth programs, and provide professional contracts to local players.
Economic stability at club level can transform the entire football ecosystem — from grassroots development to broadcasting rights.
A Platform to Retain African Talent
One major benefit of a pan-African competition lies in player retention.
Many African stars leave early due to financial limitations in domestic leagues.
A competitive and profitable Super League could help players stay longer in Africa while still earning strong salaries and gaining global exposure.
Television coverage of the AFL reached new audiences across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
This exposure created scouting opportunities and gave African talent international recognition without immediate migration abroad.
Fan Excitement and New Rivalries
The 2023 edition introduced thrilling clashes such as Al Ahly versus Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca against Esperance Tunis.
Fans across the continent followed with renewed enthusiasm.
A future Super League would deepen that excitement. It would build new rivalries between regions, drive stadium attendance, and create fan communities that span borders. That passion fuels commercial growth through merchandise, memberships, and digital engagement.
Lessons from the First Edition
The first African Football League was a valuable test run. Although successful in sporting terms, it failed to capture full public enthusiasm.
CAF’s leadership admitted that future versions must offer broader participation, better marketing, and fairer revenue distribution.
By 2025, CAF had not resumed the competition, and its website no longer featured the AFL.
However, the vision remains active in CAF’s long-term plans for structural reform and financial growth.
The Road Ahead
For the Super League concept to thrive, CAF must focus on three priorities — governance, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Fair revenue sharing will protect smaller clubs. Transparent leadership will attract global investors.
Balanced scheduling will safeguard players’ health.
A revised league format could eventually coexist with the CAF Champions League rather than replace it.
Together, they can create a multi-tiered ecosystem where performance and merit drive opportunity.
Conclusion
The African Super League remains a powerful idea that can redefine club football across the continent.
It represents hope for stronger competition, financial independence, and continental unity.
CAF and FIFA sparked the vision. Mamelodi Sundowns proved its potential on the pitch.
The next step lies in turning the project into a sustainable model that elevates African football for generations to come.
If built on fairness, professionalism, and long-term commitment, the African Super League could finally give African club football the global stage it deserves.
