The 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, scheduled for Monday, 06 October 2025 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, promises to be a landmark moment for African football as it welcomes an elite gathering of global football leaders, dignitaries, and an extraordinary lineup of African football legends.

 

Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Assembly will bring together key stakeholders to engage in strategic discussions shaping the future of the African game. It will also serve as a celebration of African football’s rich heritage and bold aspirations, with a cast of legendary players and coaches lending their prestige to the event.

In a powerful tribute to African football’s past and its enduring legacy, several iconic figures will attend the Assembly, including:

• Herita Ilunga (DR Congo) – A former defender born in Kinshasa, Ilunga enjoyed a standout career in Europe and proudly represented the DRC in multiple AFCON tournaments.

• Jean Florent Ibenge (DR Congo) – Revered as one of the continent’s top coaches, Ibenge led DR Congo to AFCON bronze in 2015 and achieved continental success with AS Vita Club.

• El Hadji Diouf (Senegal) – Twice crowned African Footballer of the Year, Diouf starred in Senegal’s historic run to the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals and played for top European clubs including Liverpool.

• Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo) – A symbol of Togolese football, Adebayor featured in the 2006 World Cup and shone in top clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.

• Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire) – A global icon, Drogba led the Ivorian “Golden Generation” and became a legend at Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League and four Premier League titles.

• Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) – A 1988 African Footballer of the Year, Bwalya is revered for his artistry and leadership, both as a player and football administrator.

• Gaëlle Enganamouit (Cameroon) – A pioneer in women’s football, she was the first African woman nominated for BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2016.

• Sophia Mwasikili (Tanzania) – A leading figure in East African women’s football, Mwasikili has inspired a generation of young female players.

• Geremi Njitap (Cameroon) – A two-time AFCON winner and Olympic gold medalist, Geremi lifted the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid and now serves as President of FIFPRO Africa.

To further celebrate the occasion, the legends will participate in a special exhibition match on Saturday, 04 October at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. They will be joined by other football dignitaries in what is expected to be a showcase of skill, camaraderie, and nostalgia.

Speaking on the importance of the event, 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.”

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, CAF’s 54 Member Associations, and international guests from the global football community will also be in attendance.

With the presence of football royalty, revered leaders, and global stakeholders, the 47th CAF General Assembly is poised to not only reflect on Africa’s glorious football history but also to forge a progressive roadmap for the continent’s future in the sport.

 

From Kinshasa, the heart of the DRC, to every corner of the continent, African football’s past, present, and future will unite in celebration, discussion, and inspiration.