Wallace Karia has been elected to the CAF Executive Committee as the third Tanzanian member. His election was unopposed, with a focus on enhancing competitiveness in the CECAFA Zone. Additionally, Dr. Patrice Motsepe retains his role as CAF President. Other updates include key coaching appointments in Kenya and Rwanda.
Wallace Karia, President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), has been elected to the CAF Executive Committee, becoming the third Tanzanian to hold this position. His unopposed election occurred during the CAF General Assembly at Marriot Mena House Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. Other Tanzanian members who previously served on the committee include Said El Maamry and Leodegar Tenga. Additionally, Dr. Patrice Motsepe was re-elected as CAF President during the assembly.
In a statement, Karia expressed gratitude for the support he received from CECAFA members and stated, “I am very happy that I have been elected to serve on the CAF Executive Committee”. He aims to enhance the competitiveness of teams within the CECAFA Zone to secure qualification and victories in major tournaments, emphasizing, “We have been improving on the curve, but we can still do better.”
Hussein Mohammed, President of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), praised Karia’s election as a positive development for CECAFA, as did Augustino Maduot Parek of the South Sudan Football Association, who noted the unity Karia fosters in the region. Moreover, Alexandre Muyenge, President of the Burundi Football Federation, conveyed his happiness over Karia’s election.
At the same time, the CAF’s leadership structure remains unchanged with Sudan’s Mutasim Jaafar Sarkhatm continuing as a committee member, and Isayas Jira Bosho from Ethiopia being appointed as a co-opted member. Notably, Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroon Football body, was elected to represent UNIFFAC Zone without opposition.
Furthermore, Dr. Patrice Motsepe held productive discussions with CECAFA members during a meeting in Cairo ahead of the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly. Discussions revolved around enhancing football development and securing a 50% annual increase in funding from USD 500,000 to USD 750,000.
In domestic football, Rayon Sports FC remains at the top of the 2024/2025 Rwanda Premier League, following a goalless draw against APR FC. Meanwhile, Kenya has officially appointed Benni McCarthy as the new head coach of the national football team, and Rwanda has named Adel Amrouche as their head coach.
Wallace Karia’s election to the CAF Executive Committee symbolizes progress for Tanzanian football, marking a significant representation at the continental level. Karia’s commitment to enhancing CECAFA’s competitiveness can potentially elevate the visibility of regional teams in major tournaments. Simultaneously, the leadership changes within CECAFA, alongside the fruitful initiatives discussed between CAF and its Zones, outline promising developments in African football.
Original Source: cecafaonline.com
