DR Congo Football Presidential Race Heats Up As Former Officials Declare Ambitions

DR Congo Football Presidential Race Heats Up As Former Officials Declare Ambitions

By Niyi Busari 

The race for the presidency of the Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) is gaining momentum as the election that will shape the future of football in the Democratic Republic of the Congo approaches, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Two former influential figures from the administration led by former federation president Constant Omari have openly declared their ambitions to lead the governing body.

Among them is Patrice Mangenda, a former deputy secretary-general of FECOFA. Despite criticism surrounding his management during his tenure in the administration of the country’s football judicial structures, Mangenda appears determined to contest for the federation’s top position. Sources close to the process suggest he could benefit from the support of his former mentor, Omari, while simultaneously building alliances among potential voters.

Another contender is Bobo Bondembe, who previously served as vice president of FECOFA. One of the earliest figures from Omari’s former leadership team to publicly express interest in the presidency, Bondembe is now pursuing the bid largely on his own, after what observers describe as dwindling support from former allies.

His previous role overseeing certain financial responsibilities within the federation has also drawn scrutiny. Critics have raised concerns about what they describe as a lack of transparency in the management of funds intended for football development.

As the campaign begins to take shape, the candidacies of Mangenda and Bondembe have revived a broader debate within the Congolese football community: whether the federation risks repeating past governance challenges or if new leadership could mark the start of meaningful reform at the helm of FECOFA.