The race to lead DR Congo (FECOFA) is intensifying ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 20 May, with Véron Mosengo-Omba emerging as a central figure amid reports of strong backing from influential political and football circles.
Mosengo-Omba, who recently stepped down as Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on 29 March, is widely seen as one of the leading contenders for the top job in Congolese football administration.
According to reports, his potential candidacy is enjoying support from senior figures within the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
His name is also said to be familiar to President Félix Tshisekedi, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino is believed to favour his profile within African football governance discussions.
As campaigning gathers pace, Mosengo-Omba has begun to outline an ambitious reform agenda should he be elected, promising wide-ranging changes aimed at restructuring football in the country.
He has previously described his long-term ambition for Congolese football in bold terms, stating his intention to transform the federation into a “paradise” under his leadership.
Following the submission of his candidacy, he detailed the framework of his proposed reforms, which he says will be built around governance, accountability and structural stability.
“If we are elected, our actions, we have eleven areas of action, which we will present on May 11.
“These actions will take place within the framework of the four principles of governance which are: transparency, integrity, responsibility and accountability. We owe accounts to the population and the Congolese people,” Mosengo-Omba said.
He added that his programme will also focus on specific priorities for the development of football in the country.
“Next, we have priorities. We have four priorities, which we will detail with my team on May 11.
“The first priority is to restore good governance and the credibility of our football in Central Africa. Second: to stabilize our leagues, our clubs and our national teams,” he added.
Mosengo-Omba is being described by some of his supporters as the most experienced candidate among the nine individuals contesting the presidency.
His track record at CAF and previous roles within UEFA are being presented as key qualifications for the role.
However, he will face strong competition in the election.
Among those also in the race are former DR Congo international Shabani Nonda and Aziz Makukula, alongside Jean-Max Mayaka, Bosco Mwehu, Jean-Didier Masamba, Patrice Mangenda, Kévin Issa and Jean-Claude Mukanya.
With 68 voters expected to determine the next FECOFA executive committee, attention is now turning to how each candidate will convince a wide and diverse electorate, ranging from clubs and leagues to referees, doctors and player associations.
