Title: Paulin Kabongo elected president of Febaco: the future of Congolese basketball in question
Introduction :
During the elective general assembly of the Congo Basketball Federation (Febaco), which was held in Goma on November 25, Paulin Kabongo was elected president with 17 votes out of 32 voters. This reappointment at the head of the federation for a four-year mandate has already caused a lot of ink to flow. Indeed, disputes have emerged regarding the conditions and conduct of these elections. In this article, we will return to the different reactions provoked by this election and the issues that now arise for Congolese basketball.
Challenges to the election:
As soon as the results of the election were announced, critical voices were raised regarding the conditions and the conduct of the vote. Arthur Iwango Basira, president of the Kinshasa provincial league, as well as basketball lovers and analysts deplored the way the elections took place. They point to irregularities, including the invalidation of two legitimate voters and the validation of two others without a mandate. In addition, they emphasize that a voice of youth, which could have made the difference, decided to maintain the status quo. These objections call into question the legitimacy of the election of Paulin Kabongo and open the debate on the future of Congolese basketball.
The challenges for Congolese basketball:
Beyond the controversies surrounding the election of Paulin Kabongo, the future of Congolese basketball is at stake. The country has enormous potential, with many young talents playing on the courts. However, for this potential to be realized, it is crucial to have a strong and well-managed federation. It is therefore essential that President Kabongo strives to put in place measures to promote the development of basketball throughout the country, by investing in the training of young players, improving infrastructure and promoting the competitiveness of teams. Congolese women on the international scene.
In addition, the transparency and integrity of the functioning of the federation must be guaranteed to reassure those involved in Congolese basketball. It is essential that the decisions made by the federation are fair and equitable, without favoritism or shenanigans. This will help preserve the image of Congolese basketball and encourage the confidence of players, coaches, sponsors and supporters.
Conclusion :
The election of Paulin Kabongo as president of Febaco continues to raise questions and mixed reactions. Disputes over the conditions and conduct of the election highlight the important issues facing Congolese basketball. It is now essential that the federation focuses on the development of the sport, by investing in training and infrastructure. In addition, transparency and integrity must be fundamental principles to maintain the trust of stakeholders and give new impetus to Congolese basketball. The future of sport in the DRC now depends on the actions and decisions of Paulin Kabongo and his team.