CAF: Bestine Kazadi's big ambitions

Bestine Kazadi is now a member of the CAF Executive Committee. The former president of AS V. Club was elected 5th vice-president of the African governing body at its latest extraordinary general assembly, held in Cairo on 12 March. In her role, she will be responsible for continental women's football.

Forever the first Congolese woman

Bestine Kazadi becomes the first Congolese woman to join the CAF Executive Committee and the second Congolese person overall, after Constant Omari, who some years ago served as 1st vice-president of the African governing body and even stepped in as acting president.

Kazadi says she is proud of the achievement. "I thank CAF for this election. The Executive Committee is one of the most influential committees at CAF and I am proud to carry the voice of the DR Congo", she said.

Making the Women's AFCON a benchmark

In her women's football brief, Bestine Kazadi wants to promote the game and attract investment, notably through the Women's AFCON. "We must help make the Women's AFCON a benchmark and a catalyst for attracting investment. For me it is a continuation: I was president of V. Club for 3 years and now, with determination, I will try to make my presence felt at CAF so as to influence football in general and women's football in particular," she confided.

Spreading a message of peace in Africa

Bestine Kazadi is counting on her new duties to amplify messages of peace through football in conflict zones across Africa in general and in the eastern part of the DR Congo in particular. "Footballers go beyond the sporting sphere; they can also play a diplomatic role. Football is a tool for peace and a force that unites peoples. And as a humble soldier, I intend to help reconcile peoples and take part in this fight for peace in conflict areas in Africa in general and in the eastern part of the DR Congo in particular", she said.