The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded, Tuesday in Kigali, the President’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2022 to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
“It is still my firmly held belief, as I pointed out in my speech at the 29th African Union Summit in 2017, that the future of Africa depends on its youth, and that only a proactive, youth-oriented policy can direct the energy for the achievement of development. This award is, first and foremost, a tribute to Africa’s intelligence and its vibrant youth,” affirmed His Majesty the King in a message on the occasion of the presentation of the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Sovereign also noted in his message, delivered by the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa, that this Award “represents a recognition of the decisions that I have made to ensure the best conditions for the development and fulfillment of football. Beyond sports, football is the fruit of progress and a long-term process.”
His Majesty the King affirmed that he is keen to make football a tool for success and sustainable human development in the Kingdom.
The Sovereign also highlighted, on this occasion, the excellent relations he shares with His brother Rwandan President Paul Kagame, stating that they “share an unwavering trust in our African continent, its youth and capacities and we are working to make the most out of that potential, without ever being satisfied with mere hopes, nor, for that matter, with our achievements.”
In a similar context, His Majesty the King took the opportunity to pay tribute to the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, for his strong commitment to African football and to thank the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, for his leadership and his efforts to promote African football and the credibility of its institutions.
“In addition to being a passion and an expression of creative skill and talent, football also implies a vision of the future, a long-term commitment, efficient and transparent governance, as well as investment in infrastructure and human capital,” added the Sovereign in his message.
The Sovereign recalled that “after proudly representing Africa at the Qatar World Cup, Moroccan football also embodied persistence, selflessness, and self-improvement, noting that the country is working to strengthen these values by aligning sport with education in order to bring out the players’ potential, and support the talents discovered through adequate training.”
His Majesty the King concluded that “Morocco has proven through its actions that its resources, infrastructure, and expertise, especially in football, are at the disposal of all African countries wishing to make youth a lever of hope and growth. That is because the ambition I have for my country is consistent with the ambition I have for the African continent.”
