The 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly scheduled for Monday, 06 October in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, will welcome global football leaders and dignitaries for strategic discussions shaping the future of African football.
Adding to the occasion will be a distinguished line-up of African football legends who will be in attendance.
Among those are Herita Ilunga (DR Congo), Jean Florent Ibenge (DR Congo), Geremi Njitap (Cameroon)El Hadji Diouf (Senegal), Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire), Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia), Gaëlle Deborah Enganamouit (Cameroon), and Sophia Mwasikili (Tanzania).
These icons of African football will join CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, CAF Member Associations, and global football stakeholders in celebrating African football’s achievements and shaping its future.
In addition to sharing their experience and engaging in African football matters, the legends will also partake in an exhibition match with other football dignitaries on Saturday, 04 October at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Welcoming the distinguished African football icons to Kinshasa, CAF General Secretary, Mr Veron Mosengo-Omba said: “We are honoured to welcome some of Africa’s greatest football legends to Kinshasa for the 47th CAF General Assembly.
Their contributions to African football, both on and off the pitch, are immeasurable. Their presence symbolises CAF’s commitment to celebrating our history while working hand in hand with those who built it, to ensure that African football continues to thrive and inspire future generations”.
With the presence of football royalty and global dignitaries, the 47th CAF General Assembly will showcase not only the rich heritage of African football but also its bold vision for the future.
CAF AFRICAN FOOTBALL LEGENDS:
Herita Ilunga (DR Congo)
Born in Kinshasa, Ilunga represented DR Congo with distinction, appearing in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. A solid defender, he enjoyed a successful career in France with clubs such as Saint-Étienne and Toulouse, and in England with West Ham United.
Jean Florent Ibenge (DR Congo)
One of Africa’s most respected coaches, Ibenge guided DR Congo to a third-place finish at AFCON 2015 and later led AS Vita Club to continental prominence. Known for his tactical acumen and calm leadership, he is celebrated as a proud son of Congolese football.
El Hadji Diouf (Senegal)
Widely regarded as one of Senegal’s greatest footballers, Diouf shone on the world stage at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, leading Senegal to the quarterfinals in their debut appearance. Twice named African Footballer of the Year (2001, 2002), Diouf enjoyed an illustrious club career, notably with Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, and Lens.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
One of Africa’s most recognisable icons, Adebayor represented Togo in four TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Voted CAF African Footballer of the Year in 2008, he played for top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire)
Ivorian icon and global superstar, Drogba is celebrated for his leadership of Côte d’Ivoire’s “Golden Generation” and his success with Chelsea FC, where he won four Premier League titles and the 2012 UEFA Champions League. Twice named CAF African Footballer of the Year, Drogba remains a symbol of African excellence on and off the pitch.
Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia)
Zambia’s most celebrated footballer, Bwalya won the 1988 African Footballer of the Year award. A talisman for Chipolopolo, he inspired generations with his artistry and leadership. After retirement, he served as President of the Football Association of Zambia and remains a respected voice in African football.
Gaëlle Deborah Enganamouit (Cameroon)
A trailblazer for women’s football in Cameroon, Enganamouit made history as the first African woman nominated for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award (2016). Known for her skill and determination, she represented Cameroon at multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sophia Mwasikili (Tanzania)
One of Tanzania’s pioneers in women’s football, Mwasikili has been instrumental in raising the profile of the women’s game in East Africa. Her leadership on the field continues to inspire young female footballers across the continent.
Geremi Njitap (Cameroon)
Twice an Africa Cup of Nations winner with Cameroon (2000, 2002) and a member of their 2000 Olympic gold medal-winning team, Geremi enjoyed a glittering career with Real Madrid and Chelsea, winning two UEFA Champions League titles and two Premier League crowns. Today, he serves as President of FIFPRO Africa, representing the interests of players across the continent.
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