Dar es Salaam. The President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia, has been elected as a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee during the federation’s general elections held on Wednesday, March 12, in Cairo, Egypt.
Mr Karia, who has been a key figure in the growth and development of Tanzanian football, secured the position with a landslide victory.
This comes as no surprise, as he was the sole candidate representing the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region.
His unopposed candidacy demonstrated the trust and confidence that football stakeholders in the region have in his leadership and vision for African football.
Mr Karia’s election marks a significant milestone for Tanzanian football, as it gives the country a strong voice in the decision-making processes at the continental level.
His presence in CAF’s executive body is expected to enhance Tanzania’s influence in African football affairs, particularly in policy-making, football development, and administrative matters that affect the region.
High-powered delegation
His victory was celebrated by a high-profile delegation of Tanzanian football officials who traveled with him to Egypt.
The officials included TFF Vice President, Athuman Nyamlani, TFF General Secretary, Wilfred Kidao, TFF President’s Advisor, Philemon Ntahilaja, and Chairman of the African Club Association and Yanga SC President, Hersi Said.
Others are Chairman of the Lindi Football Association, Hosea Lugano and Simba SC Board Membe,r Salim Abdallah, popularly known as ‘Try Again.’
Their presence at the elections was a show of support for Karia and a testament to Tanzania’s growing recognition in continental football leadership.
Beyond Tanzania, the elections also saw the legendary Cameroonian footballer and former Barcelona star, Samuel Eto’o, secure a seat on the CAF Executive Committee as the representative for the Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC).
Eto’o, who currently serves as the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), won the position unopposed, similar to Karia’s victory.
His appointment reinforces the growing trend of former footballers transitioning into administrative roles to shape the future of the game in Africa.
Other newly elected members of the CAF Executive Committee include Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Okraku, Liberia Football Association President Mustapha Raji, and Algeria’s Sadhi Walid.
These individuals, each with a strong background in football administration, are expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the governance of African football.
In another significant development, CAF President Patrice Motsepe was re-elected unopposed to lead the organization for another five-year term.
The South African billionaire, who initially took office in 2021, will now continue to spearhead African football’s development agenda until 2029.
His leadership has been marked by efforts to improve the commercialization of African football, strengthen continental competitions, and enhance CAF’s global partnerships.
With his re-election, Motsepe has reiterated his commitment to elevating African football to international standards, emphasising infrastructural development, youth programmes, and financial stability for federations and clubs across the continent.
His second term is expected to focus on expanding CAF competitions, securing more sponsorship deals, and ensuring African teams remain competitive on the global stage.
The election results mark a new era for CAF’s leadership, with experienced administrators and former players stepping into key positions to shape the future of football on the continent.
Opportunity for local football
For Tanzania, Mr Karia’s appointment is a landmark achievement, one that could open doors for more opportunities, investments, and development programmes aimed at strengthening the country’s football ecosystem.
As Mr Karia takes on his new responsibilities at CAF, many Tanzanians are hopeful that his presence in the executive committee will lead to increased support for local football projects, improved governance structures, and greater international recognition for Tanzanian football.
His leadership at CAF will also provide a platform for East and Central African football associations to push for more representation, developmental programmes, and policy reforms that align with the region’s footballing aspirations.
With Africa’s football landscape evolving rapidly, the newly elected officials face the challenge of ensuring continued growth and addressing key issues such as club financing, infrastructural gaps, and the professionalisation of leagues.
The expectations are high, but with leaders like Karia and Eto’o on board, there is optimism that African football is moving in the right direction.
