The president of the National Professional Football League (Linafp), Brice Mbika Ndjambou, officially kicked off the national elite football championship, the inaugural matches of which are respectively scheduled for November 23 and 30, 2024. officialization of the return of elite football to Gabon was made during a press conference this Wednesday in Libreville.
During this inaugural meeting of the 2024-2025 football season, long awaited by the Gabonese sporting public, the president of Linafp reassured public opinion regarding the updating of all administrative situations; as well as the availability and provision of the Clubs involved (D1 and D2) and the organizers (Linafp), of the financing necessary for the launch and smooth running of the various competitions.
“The administrative situation of the Clubs is in good shape because our teams are on the attack. Everyone prepared and all the qualified athletes passed the medical examination. Teams of 1era division, like Mangasport are, as we speak, in the process of recovering the licenses of their players, before the trip to Libreville, in the case of Mangasport which is playing its first match this weekend in the capital. There are therefore currently no concerns on the administrative level.”said the president of the National Professional Football League.
Regarding funding and the organizational budget, the public authorities have released “two billion fifteen million (2,015,000,000) CFA Francs for the regular running of the various competitions. Added to this are Linafp’s own resources, in terms of team engagement costs, payment of licenses and sponsorship forecasts, which should overall bring in to Linafp, two billion sixty-five million (2,065 000,000) of CFA Francs »revealed Brice Mbika Ndjambou.
In support of this good news, the president of Linafp did not go there without thanking the president of the transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma and the government of the transition, in particular the minister in charge of sports, Dr André Jacques Augand, for the diligence and efforts made to revive the passion for football in the daily lives of Gabonese youth, through the resumption of elite football.
The inaugural day of National football 1era division promises an enticing display, this Saturday at the Augustin Monédan stadium in Sibang, between two elite football leaders, namely the Mbérie Sportif Center (CMS) which hosts AS Mangasport from Moanda.
For the current 2024-2025 sporting season, 24 teams are on the starting line, including 13 in 1era division and 11 in the lower division. They will all compete in a single group over a period of almost seven months for more than 260 matches. The competitions will be played on the lawns of approved stadiums in 7 provinces for the 1st division and 5 for the 2nd division, for 14 stadiums, including 3 with artificial turf and 11 with natural grass.
One hundred and twenty-seven (127) referees will officiate the national Foot 1 and Foot 2 matches, including 13 FIFA referees. Seven hundred and twenty (720) qualified footballers are theoretically expected to compete for talent, i.e. 390 in D1 and 330 in D2. One thousand (1000) people will be mobilized to provide their expertise in the implementation of this event, we learned.
At the end of the competition, the last two (2) teams will move down from the first division to the second division and three (3) will move from the second division to the first division to establish the number at 14 Clubs next season in D1, against 13 in the current configuration.
In the lower division (D2), the number of teams competing next season will be 10, compared to 11 this season, taking into account the balance between the 3 Clubs that came first in this competition, which will therefore move up to the first division this season. next and the 2 which will come from the lower division (D3), replacing the 2 Clubs which arrived at the back of the pack at the end of the current season.
National football is resuming its rights after two seasons of sports diet. In reality, no season has been played regularly until its end for many years in Gabon. The national team was only made up of footballers playing outside, mainly in European championships, with more or less success.
Elliott Ana Wonder and Frida Dodo
2024-11-20 23:05:00
#president #LINAFP #launches #hostilities #time #reassures
What are the key goals for the National Professional Football League (Linafp) under your leadership this season?
**Interview with Brice Mbika Ndjambou, President of the National Professional Football League (Linafp)**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us, Mr. Ndjambou. We’re excited to discuss the kickoff of the national elite football championship in Gabon. Can you tell us what this return means for the Gabonese football community and fans?
*Brice Mbika Ndjambou:* Thank you for having me. The kickoff of the national elite football championship this November is incredibly significant for Gabon. It not only brings back a beloved sport but also revives a sense of community and pride among our fans. The anticipation has been palpable, and we are thrilled to present a season filled with competitive matches that will engage our supporters.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned the status of the clubs and their readiness. Could you elaborate on the administrative preparations and the concerns you are addressing?
*Brice Mbika Ndjambou:* Absolutely. I’m pleased to report that the administrative situations of our clubs are in good shape. All qualified athletes have successfully passed their medical examinations, and teams like AS Mangasport are actively recovering player licenses ahead of their first match. We have worked diligently to ensure all teams are prepared, and I’m confident there are no outstanding administrative matters that would hinder the smooth start of the season.
*Interviewer:* Funding is crucial for the success of any sports league. Can you provide details on the budget allocated for this season?
*Brice Mbika Ndjambou:* Certainly. This season, we have secured a budget of 2 billion 15 million CFA Francs from public authorities for the regular operation of the competitions. Alongside this, our own resources will bring the total to approximately 2 billion 65 million CFA Francs. This funding will support everything from team engagements to licensing fees and sponsorship opportunities.
*Interviewer:* It’s great to hear about the financial backing. How will this season’s match structure work, and what can fans expect in terms of participation?
*Brice Mbika Ndjambou:* This season, we have 24 teams divided into 13 teams in the first division and 11 in the second division. They’ll compete in a single-group format over nearly seven months, encompassing over 260 matches. Competitions will take place in approved stadiums across seven provinces, utilizing both artificial and natural fields. This setup not only increases participation but also allows fans across the country to engage with live matches.
*Interviewer:* With the reintroduction of elite football, what message do you have for the youth of Gabon?
*Brice Mbika Ndjambou:* I want to emphasize that this league is as much for the youth as it is for the fans. We are committed to providing opportunities for young athletes to showcase their skills and aspirations in football. The commitment from the government, especially the Minister of Sports, has been crucial in reviving the passion for football among our youth. I encourage all young footballers to seize this opportunity and be inspired by their local clubs.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Mr. Ndjambou, for sharing these insights. We look forward to an exciting season of Gabonese football.
*Brice Mbika Ndjambou:* Thank you! We appreciate the support, and I believe this season will bring joy and unity to all Gabonese through the beautiful game.