How CAF Young Reporters Training Program catapulted teen Musinguzi to the CHAN 2024 spotlight

At just 18 years old, Ugandan journalist John Wycliffe Musinguzi is living proof of how CAF’s Young Reporters Training Program can shape lives and transform dreams into reality.

From freelancing with a simple mobile phone to reporting inside the buzzing press rooms of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, his story reflects both the resilience of Africa’s youth and the power of football to open new paths.

A Voice Rising in Kampala

The Mandela National Stadium in Kampala was heaving. South Africa had just drawn 3-3 with Uganda in a pulsating group-stage encounter that ended the visitors’ hopes of progression.

Cameras flashed, microphones buzzed, and reporters jostled for space. In the midst of this chaos, one young voice cut through: sharp, confident, full of restless energy.

It belonged to John Wycliffe Musinguzi, barely 18, yet already delivering crisp analysis and firing insightful questions to players and coaches.

It was here that John truly arrived on the continental stage, showing that CAF’s investment in youth media was already bearing fruit.

CAF’s Vision Takes Shape

This moment didn’t come by chance. It was the result of a vision laid down by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe in 2022 when he launched the African Schools Football Championship.

His ambition was not only to discover players but also referees, administrators, and journalists who would form the backbone of African football’s future.

Soon after, the CAF Young Reporters Program was created. By April 2025 in Accra, when the African Schools Football Championship finals were staged, John was among the bright new faces taking part in a training program delivered in partnership with Canal+ University.

Mentored by leading media professionals including Lux September, Head of CAF Communications Division, Ibrahim Sannie Daara and Thabang Mabuziko, John gained exposure to global standards of sports journalism.

“The CAF Young Reporters Program was a dream come true. It gave me not only technical skills but also the confidence that I can be a professional sports media officer at the highest level,” he reflected.

CAF’s initiative was clear: school football would be the heartbeat of Africa’s future — and John was proof that the program was working.

From Fort Portal to Africa’s Microphones

John’s story begins in humble surroundings. Born in Kampala’s Mulago Hospital, he grew up in Fort Portal, raised largely by his grandmother Oliva Tibasaga and uncle James Kisembo, alongside his sister Patience Kanweri.

His early education was at modest schools in Fort Portal and Wakiso. Later, at Standard High School Zzana, his potential was spotted, and he earned a scholarship from Justus Mugisha, FUFA official and president of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA).

Curiously, John’s childhood dream was to become a priest. But life had other plans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, armed only with a basic mobile phone, he began freelancing — covering school tournaments and local football matches, writing reports, and conducting interviews.

He often sacrificed his small lunch allowance to buy mobile data so he could upload updates on matches. Out of this struggle was born Tooro Sports, a grassroots sports platform that shone a light on competitions in his region.

“Freelancing was tough,” John recalls. “I was still in school and had no financial support. Many times I split my small lunch money just to buy mobile data and update the world about football in my home area. But it was in that struggle that I realized I wanted to take journalism seriously.”

Mentors Who Made a Difference

Key figures helped shape John’s journey. Ahmed Hussein, FUFA’s Communications Director and a CAF Media Officer, advised him to stay rooted in local sports: “Focus on local sports; you are destined for greatness.”

Other mentors, including Julius Mutebi Bazzeketta and Aisha Nakato, gave him early opportunities and responsibility. Local journalists like Joshua Bacwa and Joseph Birungi opened doors to radio and television.

These stepping stones led him to international exposure. John served as Media Officer for Uganda’s delegation at the East African Games in Rwanda (2022) and later gained experience in Tanzania, Macau, and Ghana.

Each assignment taught him how to adapt — whether it was working with broken cameras, struggling with translators in China, or meeting strict deadlines across time zones.

“Every obstacle became a lesson,” John says.

The Young Reporters Program: A Turning Point

In April 2025, John’s career reached a defining moment. At the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Accra, he joined the Young Reporters Training Program run in partnership with Canal+.

For two weeks, he learned about writing for the web, social media strategy, media operations, and broadcast journalism.

Under the leadership of Lux September, trainers like Ibrahim Sannie Daara, a former BBC journalist, and Thabang Mabuziko provided both technical skills and confidence.

“The program changed my life,” John says. “It gave me knowledge, ethics, creativity, and most importantly, belief that I can make it in sports journalism.”

That belief quickly turned into reality at CHAN PAMOJA 2024.

Balancing Exams with Africa’s Biggest Stage

Despite his growing portfolio, John remains a secondary school student. Even as he covered CHAN 2024, he was preparing for his final-year exams. Yet he insists the experience was invaluable:

“I feel proud of my country,” he said.

“Hosting CHAN improved infrastructure, trained professionals, and left a legacy for the future of Ugandan sport. This tournament has shown we are capable.”

He also offered an optimistic view of Uganda’s performance on the pitch: “After six failed attempts, we finally reached the quarterfinals. I believe we can be semifinalists at least. The team has gained confidence and has the home advantage.”

Giving Back Through Tooro Sports

John’s journey is not just about his own success. Through Tooro Sports, he continues to give visibility to grassroots football in his home region.

His reporting has helped raise the profile of school and community competitions, ensuring that young players gain recognition and pathways.

“I want young people to understand that the beginning may be tough, but with patience and hard work, dreams can become reality,” he insists.

This ethos makes him more than just a reporter — he is already a role model for other African youths.

A Shining Example for African Youth

For John, everything comes back to faith and perseverance: “Everything I have achieved has been by the grace of God. I come from a humble family, and every opportunity has been a gift.

“My message to other African youth is simple: never stop dreaming. There is no gain without pain, but with patience, hard work, and resilience, dreams do come true.”

His ultimate ambition is clear: to work as a journalist and Media Officer for CAF, serving African football at the highest level.

And if his trajectory so far is any indication, that ambition may be fulfilled sooner rather than later.

Legacy Beyond the Press Room

The story of John Wycliffe Musinguzi is more than just a young reporter covering a tournament.

It represents what can happen when vision meets opportunity, when hard work meets mentorship, and when a young person dares to dream beyond their circumstances.

From a boy with a second-hand phone in Fort Portal to a confident young voice in CAF’s press rooms, John’s journey proves that Africa’s future storytellers are already here.