Elected president of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) in an uncontested election, former CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba has grand ambitions. His motto? "Rebuild to structure, and structure to win." Yet, behind the promises of renewal, his term begins in a climate of deep divisions within Congolese football.

A plebiscite without suspense

On Wednesday, May 20, the outcome of the vote surprised no one. In an election that was a foregone conclusion, Véron Mosengo-Omba was elected head of the federation for a four-year term, receiving 60 out of 65 votes .

The complete absence of competition paved his way to victory:

1. No rivals on the podium.
2. No second round required.
3. A final list of candidates stripped of all opposition after a wave of withdrawals and invalidations by the electoral commission.

The legitimacy of the vote called into question

While the election technically complied with the rules, it left a bitter taste for many observers and stakeholders in local football. Discontent is growing, particularly among the country's former stars.

Former Leopards captain and member of the National Technical Directorate, Jean-Claude Mukanya, openly expresses his fears of a national rift:

"These elections will definitely divide us," he warns, fearing a negative impact on cohesion around the national team.

Before the vote, he had also urged FIFA and CAF to conduct a thorough investigation into the behind-the-scenes aspects of this electoral process.

The controversy is also taking a legal turn. Patrice Mangenda, whose candidacy was rejected, has officially appealed to FIFA's Ethics Committee, denouncing "serious irregularities".

The project of rebuilding: 4 axes and 11 priorities

Aware of the challenges and doubts that accompany him, Véron Mosengo-Omba is counting on his network and his background to turn things around. "I have chosen to put my international experience directly at the service of our country," he emphasized.

To realize his vision, the new head of Congolese football is relying on a strategic program structured around four main axes :

1. Restoring trust: Rebuilding Fecofa to restore its lost credibility.
2. Ensuring sporting fairness: Organizing regular and transparent competitions.
3. Professionalize the grassroots: Restructure national clubs.
4. Promoting diversity: Bringing women's football out of the shadows and making it a true priority.

The verdict from the field

The hardest part begins for the new president. To succeed and turn his gamble into a victory, Véron Mosengo-Omba will have to quickly dispel the doubts surrounding his election. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the rebuilding of football will not only take place on the pitch, but first and foremost through transparency in the governing bodies.