On the sidelines of the CAF congress here in Abidjan, the Africa Continental President of the International School Sports Federation (ISF) and Director General of OISSU (Ivorian Office Of School and University Sport), Mamadou Souleymane Kone, hosted a fruitful meeting with Justus Mugisha. The guest, the President of USSSA, FEASSSA, who is also the 1st Vice President FUFA, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in discussions regarding ISF, the Federation of Africa School Sports Federation (FASS), and the structure and implementation of school sports in Cote D’Ivoire.
During the meeting, titled “Building Bridges: Mamadou Souleymane Kone and Justus Mugisha Discussed Advancements in School Sports at CAF Congress,” the two sports leaders exchanged insights and experiences, with a focus on enhancing the development of school sports in Africa. The knowledge gained from this exchange will undoubtedly contribute to the Justus’s role at ISF, FASS, and within the USSSA system.
One key area of discussion was the establishment of fully-fledged School Sports Federations in each country, aiming to provide a platform for organized sports competitions and events at the national level. Additionally, they explored the idea of introducing zonal school sports competitions in the five regions of Africa. Such regional competitions would not only foster healthy competition but also serve as a means of talent identification and promotion.
Another significant topic was the vision for FASS to operate independently and autonomously in implementing its activities, particularly in organizing competitions at the continental level. This aspiration aligns with the objective of creating a robust and self-sustaining structure for school sports across Africa, thereby ensuring the continuous growth and success of the movement.
Expressing gratitude to his host, Justus Mugisha acknowledged Mamadou Souleymane Kone as a brother, friend, and comrade. The meeting served as an important platform for collaboration and mutual learning, laying the foundation for future cooperation in advancing school sports in Africa.
As Mugisha returns to Uganda, armed with newfound knowledge and experiences, the expectation is that his involvement with ISF, FASS, and FUFA will be further strengthened. With a shared vision for the development of school sports, it is anticipated that collaborations between Uganda and Cote D’Ivoire, as well as other African nations, will contribute to the continued growth and success of the African school sports movement.