Malian football is set for a reset after Mahazou Baba Cissé was elected president of the Malian Football Federation, promising a new beginning for a federation emerging from a period of instability.
Cissé secured overwhelming support from delegates at Thursday’s extraordinary general assembly, becoming the 15th president of the federation and taking charge at a time when restoring confidence in the governance of the game is seen as critical.
His appointment follows months of organisational and administrative challenges that left Malian football searching for direction.
The decisive outcome of the vote reflects a clear desire among stakeholders to turn the page and rebuild the foundations of the sport.
In his first address, the new president made reconciliation the cornerstone of his mandate, acknowledging divisions that have affected unity within the football community.
” Our first commitment is to unite, ease tensions, and overcome differences to transform our disagreements into a collective strength. My ambition is to build a credible, strong, and united federation ,” he declared.
Cissé’s message signals an attempt to move beyond past disputes and create a more cohesive environment for administrators, players, and supporters alike.
Alongside unity, he outlined a structured approach to improving performance, particularly for national teams and domestic competitions.
He stressed that success should be driven by organisation and long-term planning rather than inconsistency.
“We are committed to preparing our national teams with rigor, professionalism, and ambition, while organizing regular, structured, and attractive national competitions ,” he stated.
Developing youth and women’s football also forms a key part of his vision, with the aim of strengthening the pipeline of talent and ensuring broader participation across the country.
Another major pillar of his programme is capacity building within the sport. Cissé emphasised the importance of improving expertise at all levels, from coaching to officiating and administration.
“We will strengthen the training of coaches, referees, and supervisors in order to sustainably raise the level of our football.”
This focus on education is intended to professionalise Malian football and improve its standing both in Africa and globally.
Cissé succeeds Mamoutou Touré after a transitional period that exposed weaknesses in governance structures. His election, backed by a strong majority, is widely seen as a mandate for reform.
In his closing remarks, he called on the entire football community to rally behind a shared vision.
” I am calling today for unity and mobilization from all stakeholders in the sport.”
The new executive committee is expected to be installed on 19 April, officially marking the start of what many hope will be a new era.
