Cecafa elects new president

What you need to know:

Mutasim, who will serve a four-year term, takes the mantle from Tanzania’s Leodegar Tenga who has served in the capacity for two terms since succeeding Dennis Obua in 2007.

Dar es Salaam. Sudan FA president Mutasim Jaffar has been elected as the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) president in a poll held in Ethiopia yesterday.

Mutasim, who will serve a four-year term, takes the mantle from Tanzania’s Leodegar Tenga who has served in the capacity for two terms since succeeding Dennis Obua in 2007.

Tenga decided not to seek re-election.

In the election conducted at the Addis Ababa Intercontinental Hotel, the Sudanese chief got six of the total 10 votes, beating Ugandan Lawrence Mulindwa who had three votes and Rwandan Vincent Nzamwita who got a single vote.

Ethiopian FA president Juneid Bashar Tilmo pulled out of the race citing personal reasons.

Pulled out

In his acceptance speech, Mutasim stated that in his reign, he will majorly work to continue with the development of football in the region and called on unity in working for the Cecafa goals.

“There is no loser from the elections; only a winner – Cecafa. I am thankful for you all for the votes and for entrusting me with the role. I also thank the Ethiopian government and federation for their hospitality and support to Cecafa.

Solidarity

“With solidarity we can work well to achieve our goals and that is what I will be encouraging more during my time at the helm,” he said.

The outgoing head, Tenga while handing over, backed his Sudanese counterpart to do well in advancing the steps made already. Till Mutasim’s election, Tenga had been the regional boss since December 7, 2007 after taking over from Uganda’s Dennis Obua.

In attendance, the Cecafa Congress was attended by all federation heads from the Cecafa region.

Fifa presidential aspirants Jerome Champagne and Prince Ali were also in attendance.