The race to lead Congolese football is becoming increasingly fractured as former international players – Aziz Makukula and Shabani Nonda – disagree over strategy ahead of the upcoming FECOFA presidential election.
Tensions have emerged between two well-known former Leopards figures, Makukula and Shabani, as campaigning intensifies ahead of the vote scheduled for May 20, 2026.
Makukula, a former national team ambassador and respected voice in Congolese football, has publicly criticised Nonda’s decision to run independently rather than as part of a unified group of ex-players.
He believes the lack of unity is weakening their collective influence in the election.
According to Makukula, efforts were made to build a common platform among former internationals before the campaign period began. However, he says those attempts were unsuccessful.
“I warned Nonda not to run. I advised him to sit down with us, the former players, to form a united front. But he preferred to do things alone,” he lamented.
For Makukula, the consequences are now visible in the public debate. “Too bad… That’s how, today, on social media, we’re tearing each other apart. We could have avoided this. ”
The former striker also warned that splitting votes among former players could ultimately benefit rival candidates.
He believes division within their camp could strengthen opponents who are better organised.
“I told him, if you run, you and I will be at odds, and the others will take advantage of it.”
Makukula has gone further, suggesting that frustration within the group could lead him to step back from the race entirely. He indicated he may reconsider his own candidacy in light of the disagreements.
“Since he has chosen this route, I am ready to withdraw and see what he does, and if he succeeds.”
The growing rift highlights deeper divisions within Congolese football circles at a time when leadership is being contested by several prominent figures.
Alongside Nonda and Makukula, other candidates include Véron Mosengo-Omba, Jean-Max Mayaka, Bosco Mwehu, Jean-Didier Masamba, Patrice Mangenda, Kévin Issa and Jean-Claude Mukanya.
All nine have submitted bids to lead the federation.
The election will take place during a formal assembly in Kinshasa, where 68 eligible voters from across the football structure will choose the next leadership of the governing body.
These voters represent different sectors of the game, making the contest both politically and structurally significant for the future of football in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Makukula formally entered the race on April 17, 2026, in what was initially seen as a boost for former players hoping to influence reform from within the system.
However, the current disagreement with Nonda has cast uncertainty over whether that group can present a united front at a crucial moment for the sport.
As election day approaches, attention is increasingly focused not only on the candidates themselves, but also on whether former national team figures can overcome internal divisions in time to shape the outcome
