CAF: competitions, members and what collectors should know

CAF is Africa’s football confederation, founded in 1957, with 54 national associations. It runs the Africa Cup of Nations for men and women, the African Nations Championship for home based players, and oversees World Cup qualifying in the region. Club competitions include the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup, with the African Football League adding elite cross border fixtures. Notable associations include the EFA of Egypt, FRMF of Morocco, NFF of Nigeria, SAFA of South Africa and FTF of Tunisia. Leading clubs include Al Ahly, Wydad, Espérance, TP Mazembe, Mamelodi Sundowns, Raja and Zamalek.

Key identifiers

CAF competition shirts use distinct tournament sleeve badges and, for some seasons, back branding that identifies the event. Finals often add a dedicated match patch with edition wording. Name and number sets must meet size, contrast and placement rules, and clubs register their chosen fonts for each competition. Sponsor layouts can change for continental play and may exclude restricted categories. Authentic examples show the correct badge pair, type style, material and spacing for the competition and season, and avoid domestic league patches in CAF fixtures.

What to check

Confirm the competition, season and exact fixture. Verify both sleeves carry the correct tournament badges and that any event patch matches the final’s wording and typography. Check name and number height, character shape, outlines and alignment against the club’s registered set. Ensure sponsor use follows CAF rules for that edition. Note competition naming where relevant, and do not expect domestic league patches during CAF matches. Cross check the player’s squad list, shirt version and manufacturer code against known team issue patterns for that night.

How to verify

Use official match photos or broadcast stills from the exact game to compare sleeves, fonts and sponsors frame by frame. Match the date to the competition calendar and confirm the starting XI and substitutes from the federation or club report. Measure number height and character width, then compare with the tournament guide used that season. If the club used serials, heat press codes or issue tags, photograph them and keep macro images of wash tags. Save copies of regulations, team sheets and image sources so your provenance ties to a specific fixture.

Care and documentation

Store CAF shirts flat in acid free sleeves with buffered backing, or hang on wide, rounded hangers in breathable bags. Keep away from UV and heat to protect badges and numbers. Use silica gel in display cases and rotate exposure to limit fade. Keep one folder with high resolution images, match details, team sheets and any certificates. Name files with date, competition, opponent and player so the provenance trail is clear.

Related reading

Walkouts Knowledge Base and Collecting for guides on authentication, COAs, grading, proof, storage, and beginner strategies.