By Comms Team
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday conducted a comprehensive Media Accreditation and Ticketing Workshop at the Kasarani Stadium Media Centre, bringing together journalists, photographers, and other members of the media on the sidelines of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
The session, led by CAF’s Head of Accreditation, Faustin Akafack, covered the step-by-step process of applying for and collecting media accreditation, as well as guidelines for match-day access and ticketing protocols.
Akafack emphasized the importance of a seamless accreditation process in ensuring smooth tournament operations.
“Our aim is to make the accreditation and ticketing process as efficient and transparent as possible,” Akafack said. “We value the role the media plays in telling Africa’s football story, and we want to ensure you can do your work without unnecessary hurdles. Over the last few years, we have been working to make the process as easy and seamless as possible.”
Members of the media who had challenges with applying for their accreditations as well as getting necessary approvals also received on-ground technical support from Akafack.
Following the accreditation session, participants engaged in an interactive Media Operations segment led by CAF Senior Media Officers Mondher Chaouachi, Thabang Mazibuko and Brahim Sow.
They highlighted CAF’s match-day media guidelines, press conference protocols, and best practices for coverage.
“We are here to support you,” said Chouachi. “Your job is to tell the story, and ours is to make sure you have the best environment to do so.”
Mazibuko added: “Think of us as your teammates. If you have questions, concerns, or need clarity, come to us. We are here to help you succeed.”
Several attending journalists expressed appreciation for the workshop’s practical insights and open engagement. Gregory Mulemi of Sporty FM noted: “The session was eye-opening. Understanding the technical side of accreditation and media operations will help me plan my work better during the tournament.”
Silva Kiddo of SPM Sports added: “Sometimes we take these processes for granted, but today I’ve learned how every step impacts the quality of coverage. It was very beneficial. I am really thankful to the CAF Media team for all the support they have been giving us during this tournament.”
Freelance journalist Faith Moraa echoed the sentiments: “I now fully understand the ins and outs of the media channel – from ticketing, approvals, and navigating the platform, to how accreditation works and the application process. I also know where to find materials on the CAF Media channel and how matchday events and press releases are managed. I left the session confident, with all my inquiries addressed,” Moraa noted.
The workshop was part of CAF’s ongoing engagements with the media during the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024, which kicked off last week.
Slightly over 200 journalists have been approved for accreditation in Kenya, with a majority being from the emerging Digital Media tribe, slowly taking reporting, fan engagement and information sharing into the digital space.
“I now feel more confident heading into CHAN 2024. The fact that CAF made time to interact directly with us shows their commitment to improving the working relationship with the media. It also shows that they value us, especially the New Media,” said Amina Hussein, a journalist with Football Focus, who is covering her first ever international tournament.
Experienced journalist Mitchelle Katami, who also recently covered the Olympic Games in Paris and is the Venue Media Manager at the Nyayo National Stadium expressed her joy at CAF’s commitment to ensuring better relation with members of the fourth estate.
“This was an insightful and engaging session that gave us a clearer understanding of everything from accreditation and ticketing to broadcast rights. I was especially pleased to see young journalists getting accredited to experience a major tournament on home soil. My key takeaway is that covering CHAN is a completely different and exciting challenge,” Katami said.
The Communications Unit at Pamoja Africa is dedicated to bringing fans timely, accurate, and inspiring stories from across the African football scene. Passionate about celebrating CHAN’24 and AFCON’27 editions lated for East Africa. The team curates news, features, and exclusive insights that connect audiences to the heart of African football.
