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Round-Up of Recent African Sport Highlights
African sport has been buzzing in recent weeks, with standout moments and controversies across multiple disciplines showcasing the continent’s rising impact on the global sports stage.
Kirsty Coventry’s Historic Election as IOC President
On March 20, 2025, Zimbabwean sports minister and former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry was elected as the first female and first African president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coventry secured 49 out of 97 votes in the first round, succeeding Thomas Bach.
This landmark election represents a significant step toward diversity in Olympic leadership. Coventry has pledged to focus on:
- Athlete rights and welfare
- Gender equality in sports
- Sustainability initiatives
- Expanding Olympic participation across Africa
Springboks Expand 2025 Test Calendar
South Africa’s rugby union team, the Springboks, will play an expanded schedule of 15 Test matches in 2025. Two additional rugby fixtures have been added to their calendar to help selectors evaluate players ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The schedule includes:
- The Rugby Championship
- End-of-year international tours
- Additional matches to test emerging talent
Rwanda to Host 2025 Road World Championships
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has confirmed Rwanda will host the 2025 Road World Championships in September, despite controversy surrounding the country’s alleged involvement in regional conflicts.
UCI President David Lappartient defended the decision, stating that sports should remain separate from political sanctions and expressing confidence in Rwanda’s hosting capabilities.
Historic Football Friendly: Ireland vs Senegal
In a landmark football event, the Republic of Ireland will host Senegal – former Africa Cup of Nations champions – in a June friendly at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. This marks the first time Ireland will host an African national team at Lansdowne Road.
The match is expected to feature Senegal’s star players including:
- Nicolas Jackson
- Pape Matar Sarr
Ireland’s manager highlighted the match’s importance for player development and World Cup preparation.
AFCON’s Global Standing Sparks Debate
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) became the center of controversy when former footballer Jamie Carragher suggested the tournament wasn’t “major” enough to influence Ballon d’Or considerations. The remarks sparked criticism from ex-England international Rio Ferdinand, who defended AFCON’s prestige.
Carragher later acknowledged his comments were “clumsy” and expressed regret, but the debate highlighted ongoing perceptions about African football tournaments.
African Sports on the Global Stage
These developments showcase the dynamic growth of African sports, highlighting both the continent’s achievements and the challenges it faces in gaining full recognition on the international stage. From historic leadership appointments to expanding competition schedules, African sports continue to make significant strides forward.
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