CAF Legendary goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba encouraged by next generation of African shot-stoppers

African football goalkeeping legend, Robert Kidiaba has urged goalkeepers participating at the ongoing CAF African Schools Football Championship Ghana 2025 finals to not underestimate the significance of their role in a team.

Kidiaba, who’s acrobatic saves and memorable celebrations for The Leopards go down as one of Africa’s fondest football memories was speaking to CAFOnline on the sidelines of the ongoing competition in Accra, where he is amongst a host of legends are providing mentorship and guidance to the youngsters.

Speaking to CAFOnline on Thursday, the now 49-year-old former TP Mazembe keeper urged the young shot-stoppers to continue improving their abilities as both keepers and ball playing players, as the modern day goalkeeper plays a huge role in both the team’s defense and attack.

“The first role of a keeper is of course to be the last line of defense. However that role has evolved over the years. These days the ball is passed to his feet, and he restarts play. A goalkeeper must direct his defense a lot. A goalkeeper is the one who restarts the game. The modern day keeper must be able to actually play with his feet, in some instances, with both feet because they are now part of the build-up. Previously, keepers would just kick the ball as far as possible, now he needs to be able to spot a run and pass accurately into space” said Kidiaba.

The former DRC number one also heaped praise on what he has seen in Accra, saying that it is clear that the next generation of African goalkeepers will be among the best in world football due to their ability to make saves and be a part of play.

“I am quite excited with what I have seen so far. Both boys and girls keepers are very vocal, they can play, they can read the game and organise their defenders. This is what modern day goalkeeping is about and for us to see it done so well at this level, it speaks volumes to the ever-growing standard of African football”, he concluded.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship Ghana 2025 continues on Friday where it will be entering the exciting knockout stages of the competition.

All matches are live on SuperSport and CAF’s official YouTube channel, CAF TV.