Gabon seeks to develop the national championship, strengthen professionalism, and support women's football and youth talent
Written by Dr. Mohamed Saad
Gabon is preparing to launch a new phase in the reform of its national football, bringing together various stakeholders in the sport within the framework of the “Task Foot” initiative. Its proceedings begin on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Sino-Gabonese Friendship Stadium in Angondjé, under the supervision of Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany Zattighoua, and will last for five days with the aim of laying the foundations for a national championship worthy of the country's history and football status
This step builds upon Gabon's football stature as a country that has hosted two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations and produced an African Ballon d'Or winner, alongside a passionate fan base and recognized talents at both African and European levels, not to mention its national team, the Panthers, which regularly competes in continental tournaments
Drawing from the high directives of the President of the Republic, Head of State, and Head of Government, the working group tasked with renewing Gabonese football aims to build an integrated organizational system starting from regional pitches up to the highest level of competition, contributing to sports development and raising the standard of national championships
The opening ceremony is expected to witness the delivery of technical accreditations and final registration certificates to clubs participating in professional championships, in a move that aims to improve the regularity of competitions, optimize their organization, and establish clearer and more stable rules for the football season
The “Task Foot” initiative brings together a broad range of institutions and entities related to football, with the participation of the Minister, the Director General of Sports, the President of the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT), as well as the National Professional Football League (LINAFP), the National Women's Football League, the National Olympic Committee, the National Anti-Doping Agency (ONAD), club presidents, coaches, referees, players, and sports journalists, in addition to national and international experts
The initiative's work is divided into seven main workshops addressing governance and institutional organization, training and human resources development, national competitions, communication and marketing, financing and the competition model, refereeing and competition integrity, as well as sports infrastructure
These workshops focus on drafting practical visions to organize competitions according to specific calendars, improving club management, strengthening the presence of women's football, and developing youth talent, alongside increasing the appeal of the national championship to partners and sponsors
Through this initiative, Gabon aspires to establish a comprehensive and sustainable reform of national football, reinforcing its sporting status, supporting the development of clubs and national teams, and turning its expertise in sports development into a role model in the Central African region
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