In an exciting moment for sports fans across East Africa, the East Africa Confederation of American Football (EACAF) recently elected its very first leadership team. These newly appointed executives are eager to kickstart the growth and popularity of American football in the region.
Taking the helm as President is Steven George Okeng, who also leads the American Football Federation of Uganda (AFFU). With his forward-thinking approach and strong dedication, Okeng is ready to guide the confederation towards success. Joining him is Plante Kibadhi from the Democratic Republic of Congo as Vice President, bringing invaluable experience to the team.
Moses Ondeng from Kenya assumes the role of General Secretary, responsible for managing the administrative side of EACAF. Fidelle Niyoyiya from Burundi will handle the financial affairs as Treasurer, while Augustino Mwamba from Tanzania will focus on communication and outreach efforts as the Publicity Officer.
The establishment of EACAF is a significant milestone for sports in the region, aiming to cultivate a vibrant American football culture. With member nations like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and the recent addition of South Sudan, EACAF is poised to lead the sport’s growth and development.
President Steven George Okeng emphasizes their mission: to nurture young talent, promote sportsmanship, and build a strong American football community in East Africa. They are dedicated to providing opportunities for athletes to shine while fostering camaraderie among participants.
“We aim to bolster significant initiatives at a regional level. Lately, the Africa Zone Series has seen participation primarily from Kenya and Uganda. However, we aspire for broader representation, starting with flag football, which offers easier management,” Okeng explained. “These programs will coincide with capacity-building exercises.”
“We also endeavor to assist all regional countries in affiliating with the international federation, the International Federation of American Football. We’ll provide guidance throughout this process. Once recognized by the international federation, countries can host and participate in international tournaments,” Okeng added, emphasizing the involvement of U.S. Embassies across the region in this endeavor.
The growth of American football in the region is a focal point for Okeng, who highlights the essential role of grassroots development. His strategy includes tailored initiatives aimed at introducing the sport to youth, encompassing clinics, camps, and school programs. Okeng stresses the importance of providing accessible equipment and coaching resources to support aspiring athletes. He also emphasizes the significant contribution of local communities and schools in nurturing talent and creating pathways for young players. Ultimately, Okeng advocates for a comprehensive grassroots approach to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of American football in the region.
The Africa Zone Series has been the prominent American Football event in the region for the past few years. However, attendance has not matched that of other sports disciplines like soccer and rugby.
“We need to enhance the appeal of our activities, transforming events into family outings where fans can enjoy throughout. We’ll involve more schools in pre-event matches and encourage students to attend, aiming to boost attendance,” Okeng remarked. “The sport holds immense potential in the region, and with such initiatives, we anticipate increased attendance at matches.”
Okeng stressed that given American Football’s origin, local federations should register with the American Chamber of Commerce in their respective countries. “This enables networking with American business leaders, potentially opening doors for collaboration. With numerous American companies in the region, collaboration could yield significant benefits.”
To ensure inclusivity across diverse fan bases, competitions must run year-round. “We’ll establish structured pathways for various age groups up to the national level. Additionally, we’ll engage with the East African Sports Council to integrate our program into the East African Games, encouraging greater participation.”
Okeng acknowledged that inadequate funding from governments and equipment shortages pose significant challenges to the sport in East Africa. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that with increased resources, the narrative can shift positively.
As EACAF begins its journey, the newly elected leadership team is committed to upholding values of integrity, inclusivity, and excellence. With the support of member nations and stakeholders, they aim to take American football to new heights in East Africa, inspiring generations of athletes and fans.
