Alves Simões elected as Angola FA President, defeats incumbent Artur de Almeida

Alves Simões has been elected as the new president of the Angolan Football Federation (FAF), after defeating incumbent Artur de Almeida e Silva at the federation’s election on Saturday.

Simões succeeds Artur de Almeida e Silva, who served as president for eight years, following a closely contested election on Saturday.

Simões, representing “List B,” secured 133 votes out of 252 cast, emerging victorious in a race that featured three candidates.

Artur de Almeida e Silva, representing “List C,” finished second with 113 votes, while Norberto de Castro of “List A” trailed significantly, managing just nine votes.

Two ballots were declared invalid.

A Veteran in Angolan Football

The newly elected president brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously served as president of Angolan club Interclube.

His leadership at Interclube is seen as a key factor in his ability to galvanize support and win the confidence of the electorate.

Simões now becomes the eighth president in the FAF’s history, succeeding notable figures like Eduardo Macedo dos Santos, Luís Gomes dos Santos, and his immediate predecessor, Artur de Almeida e Silva.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead Angolan football and grateful for the trust placed in me. Together, we will work to elevate the sport in Angola and beyond,” Simões said in his acceptance speech.

Challenges and Opportunities

Simões takes charge of FAF at a critical time for Angolan football. Despite a rich legacy, the country has recently achieved successes on the international stage including reaching the knock stages of the recent AFCON.

As a CAF and FIFA member since 1980, Angola’s football infrastructure and grassroots development remain areas needing attention.

The football community has expressed hope that Simões’ leadership will revitalize the sport, focusing on developing local talent, improving facilities, and enhancing Angola’s competitiveness in continental tournaments.

A Shift in Leadership

The election results signify a decisive shift in the direction of Angolan football. Simões’ campaign emphasized transparency, youth development, and greater inclusivity within the sport.

Analysts view his victory as a signal of the desire for fresh leadership to steer the organization toward growth and innovation.

With Angola’s football fraternity rallying behind its new leader, Simões faces the task of building on past achievements while addressing pressing issues in governance, funding, and player development.