Zimbabwe Football Association competitions and communications manager Xolisani Gwesela is convinced that local football could become more professional if clubs fully embrace FIFA and CAF’s club licencing system.

Gwesela attended a Professional Football Conference in Cairo, Egypt which was organised by FIFA in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The conference looked at the importance of the Club Licensing System and its application to CAF member associations.

“Club Licensing is never meant to punish or suffocate the clubs but to help them adhere to professional standards,’’ Gwesela said.

“Once we fully implement Club Licensing, we will produce vibrant clubs and in turn produce formidable national teams. It all starts with professionalism at club level.”

The meeting was attended by representatives from all CAF’s 54 member associations.

The club licensing system seeks to promote and improve the quality and the level of all football aspects in Africa and ensure that all clubs have the appropriate infrastructure and knowledge in respect of management and organisation. It also improves the economic and financial capacity of clubs through proper corporate governance and control.