The race to lead football in DR Congo has intensified, with nine candidates officially submitting their applications for the presidency of Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) ahead of elections scheduled for May 20, 2026.
The vote will take place during an elective assembly in Kinshasa, where 68 eligible voters will decide the next leadership of the country’s football governing body.
The election is seen as a key moment for Congolese football, as stakeholders look to shape the future direction of the sport.
Among the candidates are several high-profile names, including former international striker Shabani Nonda and Aziz Makukula.
They will compete alongside Véron Mosengo-Omba, Jean-Max Mayaka, Bosco Mwehu, Jean-Didier Masamba, Patrice Mangenda, Kévin Issa and Jean-Claude Mukanya.
The late confirmation of Mosengo-Omba’s candidacy followed weeks of speculation, with the former Confederation of African Football (CAF) secretary general formalising his bid on April 21 in Kinshasa.
His entry adds further weight to what is shaping up to be a competitive and closely watched election.
The next FECOFA president will be chosen through a structured electoral college comprising representatives from across the Congolese football ecosystem.
The 68 voters include delegates from provincial leagues, top-tier and second-tier clubs, women’s football representatives, youth football bodies, and various associations linked to the sport.
Specifically, the electorate includes 22 votes from provincial leagues, 12 from clubs (eight from Ligue 1 and four from Ligue 2), three from women’s clubs, and two from youth teams.
Additional votes come from provincial league champions, national leagues, coaching and refereeing bodies, medical staff representatives, football administrators, and players’ unions.
This broad representation reflects an effort to ensure that different stakeholders within Congolese football have a voice in shaping its leadership.
The election comes at a transitional period for FECOFA. The federation is currently being overseen by Lily Tshimpumpu, who is serving as acting president.
She assumed the role following the tenure of Belinda Luntadila, who previously led the Normalization Committee.
The upcoming vote is expected to mark a return to a fully elected leadership structure, ending a period of administrative adjustment within the federation.
The election represents more than just a leadership change.
It is seen as an opportunity to address longstanding challenges in Congolese football and to build on the country’s rich footballing heritage.
With several experienced figures and former players in the race, the contest is likely to generate significant interest both locally and across the African football community.
As the May 20 vote approaches, attention will focus on how candidates present their visions for the future of the game in DR Congo, and which of them can secure the backing of a diverse and influential electorate.
