A TECHNOCRAT OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL

At 56, Véron Mosengo-Omba is no stranger to international football circles. A lawyer by training, a graduate of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in Switzerland, he has built a solid reputation in sports administration. In 2016, he joined the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), where he headed the division for member associations in Africa and the Caribbean. His rise continued in 2021 when he was appointed Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a position he will hold until March 2026. Drawing on this experience gained at the highest levels of world and continental football, Mosengo-Omba now aims to put Congolese football back on track.

ELEVEN KEY AREAS FOR REBUILDING CONGOLESE FOOTBALL

The new president of FECOFA arrives with a program structured around eleven priority areas. His ambition: to rebuild the institution's credibility, reorganize national competitions, professionalize clubs, strengthen youth development, and revitalize the national teams. In a context where Congolese football is struggling to regain its former glory, this election has generated both expectations and hopes. For many observers, FECOFA needed an experienced figure, capable of engaging with international bodies while understanding local realities. Conversely, some believe that Véron Mosengo-Omba, despite his solid experience with international organizations, could be perceived as having limited knowledge of the local context, due to his background primarily developed within the diaspora and international structures.

THE CHALLENGE OF WORLD CUP

The arrival of Veron Mosengo-Omba comes at a strategic moment. The Leopards dream of a historic return to the stage

Driven by a strong political will at the highest level of the state, the new executive committee sees this global campaign as a first major test of leadership.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been waiting for a World Cup qualification for over five decades, driven by a strong political will at the highest levels of government. The new executive committee sees this global campaign as a major first test of leadership. The pressure is immense, but hope remains. The new executive is composed of four vice-presidents, including Diaby Amadou, former president of AS Vita Club, and eleven members drawn from both clubs and provincial leagues. This team is presented as being close to the realities on the ground and determined to rebuild national football for the long term.

A SPEECH PLACED UNDER THE SIGN OF THE GATHERING

In his address, Véron Mosengo-Omba emphasized unity, rebuilding, and hard work: “This victory is not that of one man or one team. It must be a victory of unity, rebuilding, and hard work.” The new president also extended an olive branch to all segments of Congolese football, including his former rivals, calling for a collective effort to revitalize the sport.

The organization of this election was overseen by Lily Tshimpumpu, Secretary General of FECOFA, following Belinda Luntadila's departure from the presidency of CONOR. According to Article 37.4 of the FECOFA statutes, all candidates for the executive committee must, among other things, be of Congolese nationality, reside permanently in the DRC, be at least 25 years old, and enjoy full civil rights. The text also requires at least three years of involvement in Congolese football, whether as a club or league official, coach, international referee, sports physician, former player, or promoter of a training center affiliated with FECOFA.

His slogan perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of his mandate: "Rebuild to structure. Structure to win."

THE TIME OF RENEWAL

After years of administrative turmoil and internal divisions, Congolese football is entering a decisive phase in its history. The election of Véron Mosengo-Omba appears as an attempt at institutional stabilization, but above all as a bet on expertise and modern governance. Now, the challenge is to translate these promises into concrete results. Because beyond the rhetoric and ambitions, Congolese fans are waiting for one thing above all: to see the Leopards roar back on the African and world stage.