Zambia’s FA president, Andrew Kamanga, is gaining momentum in his bid for a FIFA Council seat, drawing the support of at least ten African FA presidents at a recent gala dinner in Lusaka. 

This development signals a potential shift in African football politics, posing a challenge to Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick, who is seeking re-election.

The event, hosted by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel, was attended by key football leaders, including CAF vice president Hassan Souleiman Waberi, CECAFA president Wallace John Karia, and COSAFA chief Said Ali Said Athouman. Also present were Cameroon’s FA boss Samuel Eto’o, Niger’s Djbrilla Hima, and Zimbabwe’s Lincoln Mutasa.

While the gala celebrated Zambia’s strides in women’s football, Kamanga’s FIFA Council bid took center stage, with many attendees publicly endorsing his candidacy. “You have our full support,” COSAFA president Athouman declared, reinforcing Kamanga’s growing stature in African football.

Kamanga’s rising profile comes at a time when Pinnick, a former CAF vice president, is working to retain his seat on the FIFA Council. With African football politics often shaped by regional alliances, Kamanga’s ability to rally support could tilt the balance against the Nigerian administrator.

As the FIFA Council elections approach, Kamanga’s increasing influence—backed by Zambia’s recent football successes—could redefine the power dynamics within CAF and FIFA, potentially unsettling Pinnick’s re-election ambitions.