Andrew Kamanga backs the removal of languages in the FIFA Council as he raises his hand again

Kamanga, who is set to raise his hand again for a place in the FIFA Council, in the next CAF elections in March next year, explained how his chances were affected by the issue of the languages in the 2021 elections.

Kamanga describes how the latest decision is going to work.

"Well, I don't think so because remember the last election in 2021 I actually stood for the FIFA council and based on that rule, the moment President Motsepe was elected I was automatically disqualified,” Kamanga said.

“So, this time around because it's open I could put my name forward despite having President Motsepe there. So, I think it's bringing an element of fairness and also increasing the level of competition so we will see from the nominations of those who will come how this equation is going to pan out."

READ: Mamelodi Sundowns peaking at the right time - Manqoba Mngqithi

When Patrice Motsepe became the CAF President in 2021, there couldn’t be five English-speaking members in the FIFA council, and three coming from COSAFA.

The removal of languages in voting for FIFA Council members was a resolution from the most recent 46th CAF General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month.

There are only five spots left to fight for, with one already taken by the CAF President and the other one reserved for a woman.

With vast experience in FIFA matters, having served in their Audit and Compliance Committee for eight years, Kamanga has a wealth of knowledge to serve in the FIFA Council.

"But what is interesting is that if you take out the president, take out the female candidates, there's basically five positions remaining,” he explained.

“So, it will be quite interesting. The governance audit and the compliance, so I've been there eight years and it's a committee which obviously looks after all these projects, the funds that go out to the members, the FIFA Forward funds.

So, in terms of exposure on the FIFA side I think I have reasonable experience which is relevant to help me stand for that position."