Former AS Monaco striker Shabani Nonda has emerged as a late contender in the race for the presidency of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), setting up a competitive election scheduled for 20 May.
Nonda, a former DR Congo international and twice top scorer in France’s Ligue 1, confirmed his candidacy with a pledge to reform football governance in the country. His entry into the race comes at a crucial stage in the electoral process, adding momentum to what is shaping up to be a closely contested contest for control of Congolese football.
“My candidacy carries a clear and simple vision: change and transparency. With my team here, we have a three-pronged project, with the development of football at its core,” Nonda said.
The former forward enjoyed a distinguished playing career, notably with AS Monaco, where he finished as Ligue 1’s leading scorer in 1998 and again in 2003. Following his retirement, he transitioned into administrative and advisory roles within football, including a stint in 2021 as an advisor to Constant Omari, then president of FECOFA. However, he later stepped down from that position.
Nonda now joins a field of candidates that includes Aziz Makukula, Max Mayaka, and Kevin Issa, with the possibility of Véron Mosengo-Omba also entering the race. The presence of multiple candidates reflects the high stakes involved in shaping the future direction of football administration in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mosengo-Omba, who previously served as Secretary General of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), has been widely discussed as a potential contender. He is also reported to have the backing of the country’s president, a factor that could influence the dynamics of the election if his candidacy is confirmed.
The upcoming vote is expected to determine the leadership of FECOFA at a time when calls for reform, transparency, and development are prominent within the country’s football community. Candidates are likely to focus on strengthening governance structures, improving domestic competitions, and enhancing the performance of national teams.
Nonda’s campaign, centred on change and transparency, positions him as a reform-oriented candidate seeking to leverage both his playing experience and administrative background. His emphasis on football development suggests a focus on long-term growth, including grassroots initiatives and structural improvements.
As the election date approaches, attention is likely to intensify around the competing visions presented by the candidates. With several prominent figures in the running, the outcome of the 20 May vote is set to play a significant role in determining the future trajectory of football in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
