AIPS – Africa, under the leadership of Senegalese figure Abdoulaye Thiam, seized the opportunity presented by the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to pay homage to eight luminaries of African sports journalism. These honorees, considered true pioneers, have significantly shaped the sports media landscape with their remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment, serving as an inspiration for emerging generations of journalists. Among the revered figures is Algerian journalist Ahmed Bessol, known by the pseudonym AB. Lahouari, who commenced his coverage of the AFCON as far back as 1974.
At 77 years old, Ahmed Bessol, a historian and journalist renowned for his multiple works on North African football, embarked on his sports journalism journey at the Sports Department of the Republic (Oran) in 1968. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Head of the Sports Department at the Agence Algérie Presse Service from 1974.
An erstwhile Algerian junior international and a doctoral student at the University of Paris 2, Bessol has played pivotal roles, including being a founding member of the Footafrique site and contributing to the daily newspaper Botola (paper) and Botola.dz.
Having earned the moniker “Mr. Africa” at esteemed outlets such as Canal-Plus and L’Equipe.Fr, Bessol remains active today, managing the Footafrique and Botola.dz platforms.
Expressing his gratitude, Bessol stated, “I am very honored that it is the current generation of African journalists who thought of the elders. In turn, I salute those who have left us and contributed to the development of our continental football.”
During the ceremony, the President of AIPS Africa emphasized the importance of celebrating both contemporary talents and trailblazers who paved the way, highlighting the vitality of the profession and its significant role in African sports storytelling.
Asta Rosa Cissé, Regional Director (Ivory Coast – Burkina Faso) at Africa Global Logistics, expressed pride in supporting these distinguished figures and contributing to the enrichment of the African media landscape through the partnership with AIPS Africa.
The other esteemed legends recognized in the ceremony include Mufti Mohamed Saeed (Sudan), Mamadou Koume (Senegal), Abel Mbengue (Cameroon), Idriss Beddredine (Morocco), Michel Obi (Nigeria), Hegaud Ouattara (Ivory Coast), and Djibril Traoré (Mali). The ceremony underscored the enduring impact of these luminaries in the realm of African sports journalism.
