CAF Interclub competitions are a battlefield of talent, preparation, and professionalism. But contrary to popular belief, games are often won long before kickoff — in meeting rooms, medical centres, logistics planning, and behind-the-scenes strategy.
For Nairobi United and Police FC, this is a defining moment. Beyond talent and tactics, they need structure, compliance, and commercial savvy to compete with Africa's best.
At XP Sports, we've guided sports brands across the continent through success frameworks, including helping clubs and federations unlock revenue, boost professionalism, and grow their continental presence.
Here are 16 critical actions both clubs must take to transform from participants to contenders. Number 6 will surprise you!
1. Fully Comply with CAF Club Licensing Criteria
CAF doesn't negotiate on standards. Clubs must meet licensing requirements around governance, finance, legal matters, infrastructure, and technical quality. A failure here = disqualification. XP Sports offers a rapid compliance audit to help clubs meet all criteria in time.
2. Ensure All Players & Staff Have Valid Travel Documents
A common but costly oversight. Every player, coach, and team official should have a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and necessary visas sorted well ahead. Avoid last-minute scrambles.
3. Book Flights Early – Save Big & Reduce Stress
The earlier your bookings, the better the prices and travel routes. CAF matches are known in advance – make smart logistical decisions that reduce travel fatigue and boost performance.
4. Use Airport Concierge Services
Avoid long queues and draining procedures. Elite clubs outsource airport meet-and-greet services to ensure their teams move smoothly, swiftly, and with VIP treatment.
5. Send an Advance Team
This is non-negotiable. Send a small team to inspect and lock in top-tier hotels, training grounds, transport partners, and meal options. Don't land blind.
6. Conduct Internal Doping Tests – Avoid Scandal
It only takes one failed test to derail an entire campaign. Conduct internal screenings to ensure compliance with CAF/WADA anti-doping rules. Clubs that self-check stay ahead of surprises.
7. Negotiate Performance-Based Commercial Deals
Sponsors love measurable impact. Structure deals around clean sheets, fan engagement, group progression, or merchandise sales. XP Sports specializes in developing incentive-based packages that excite sponsors and motivate teams.
8. Upgrade Training Gear & Equipment
Look good. Train well. Play great. Invest in fresh kits, boots, mannequins, cones, and recovery tools. Equipment quality signals seriousness and motivates players.
9. Boost Medical Room Standards & Add Mental Health Experts
CAF clubs need more than a physio. Equip your medical team with licensed doctors, sufficient recovery tech, and a sports psychologist or counsellor. Mental toughness often decides knockout games.
10. Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Protect your delegation from injury, illness, missed flights, lost gear, or accidents. Insurance shows foresight and avoids crippling expenses.
11. Use Global Payment Systems & Carry Emergency Cash
From Visa to Mastercard to Safaricom Global Pay, ensure seamless transactions abroad. And always carry some USD in case systems fail.
12. Train With CAF-Standard Balls
You play how you train. Practice with the official CAF balls or their equivalents to build player confidence and muscle memory before match day.
13. Dominate Home Matches Through Atmosphere & Planning
CAF is about margins. Home games are must-win. Maximize ticketing, amplify crowd s