The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of five Vice-Presidents, reflecting a firm commitment to unity, inclusivity, and equal representation across the continent as exclusively revealed by AfricaSoccer.com
Under the pressure to repair gaping divisions, President Patrice Motsepe has boldly appointed an inclusive team that reflects Africa’s linguistic, regional, and football landscape.
Heading the list as First Vice-President is Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa, a highly influential figure in football worldwide.
Lekjaa’s extensive experience, especially his involvement in Morocco’s dynamic football development programs, makes him a front-runner in driving CAF’s agenda to the world.
His administrative acumen and strategic mind will be of immense value as CAF works to strengthen its position in FIFA and other global forums.
Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the current President of the Ghana Football Association, has been appointed Second Vice-President, bringing with him much experience and reforming credentials.
Okraku’s promotion is a balanced moderation of the interests of the Anglophone bloc so that West Africa, a longtime source of football talent, still has a pivotal voice in the shaping of CAF’s destiny.
His leadership abilities and progressive vision ensure fresh ideas and renewed energy.
The Third Vice-President, Gabon’s Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, is the representative for Central Africa. Mounguengui’s appointment underscores the critical importance of bringing the heavily under-developed Central African bloc into the continental mainstream.
His diplomatic approach and commitment to football development at the grassroots level place him firmly at the forefront of promoting unity in CAF.
From the heart of the continent, Bestine Kazadi Ditabala of DR Congo assumes the role of Fourth Vice-President, with the added significance of being a pioneering female leader in CAF’s highest echelons.
Kazadi’s background as a lawyer and football administrator brings a unique blend of discipline, passion, and inclusivity.
Her presence is a powerful statement about CAF’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment within African football leadership.
Finally, to represent Southern Africa as Fifth Vice-President is Mozambique’s Feizal Sidat. An old hand and President of the Mozambican Football Federation, Sidat brings decades of experience and an ironclad understanding of the challenges and opportunities for football within COSAFA nations.
Having him at the table ensures the south is well-represented by a veteran advocate.
Collectively, these five leaders embody the rich diversity and dynamism of African football. In spite of adversity, their combined experience, geographic reach, and mutual passion for the sport offer hope for a more harmonious and vibrant CAF.
With Patrice Motsepe determined to heal divisions and re-shape African football in a new direction, the new appointments send a remarkable message: no region, language group, or constituency will be excluded on the journey towards a greater, more empowered Africa on the continent and in the world.
