New era at the federation
Linda Embendze Noumazalayi took the microphone at National Radio in Brazzaville and set the tone: “Our strength is collective,” she said, immediately after her election as president of the Congolese Handball Federation. Her voice carried both urgency and optimism.
She reminded listeners that the sport once filled Palais des Sports with thunderous drums, insisting the same passion can still drive success if clubs, referees and sponsors move past personal rivalries. “We share one jersey,” she stressed, inviting each stakeholder to a round-table planned for January.
Statutes first, sanctions if needed
The president underlined that the statutes voted by clubs remain the only roadmap. Any tournament organised outside that framework, she cautioned, exposes promoters to fines of up to 1.5 million CFA francs and even loss of affiliation, as stated in article 46 of the national sports code.
Battling harmful online rumours
She also condemned what she called “defamatory and false statements” circulating on social networks, arguing that these posts destabilise team morale and chase away would-be sponsors. A legal unit inside Fecohand is now screening platforms and may seek formal apologies before escalating to the courts.
Government backing for CAN Rwanda
Behind the firm words lies concrete planning. After talks with Minister of Sports Hugues Ngouolondélé, Noumazalayi confirmed Congo’s presence at the 7th African Nations Cup, scheduled in Rwanda from 21 to 31 January.
She thanked the ministry for securing transport and accommodation, noting that early confirmation allows coaches to design periodised training without last-minute budget fears. “State support anchors our roadmap,” the president said, in an interview aired on Monday.
Diaspora scouting widens the net
Fecohand has opened a fast-track identification cell in France and neighbouring Belgium to spot Congolese roots playing in European leagues. Volunteer scouts send weekly clips and medical data to Brazzaville, where technical director Serge Guy Rock Okomo reviews them.
The aim is to inject experience without stifling local prospects. Selected athletes will fly into Kigali five days before the opening whistle, allowing them to blend with home-grown Diables Rouges during final tactical rehearsals.
Local camp meets mixed response
At the Nicole Oba gym in Talangaï, eighteen domestic players received call-ups on 27 November. Only fourteen turned up. Noumazalayi expressed disappointment, labelling the no-shows “a form of boycott that hurts our flag”.
Coach Okomo kept sessions open, favouring high-tempo drills and double defensive blocks. He left the door ajar for absentees until 15 December, hoping club presidents can still persuade the four hold-outs to join.
Recent international outings
Congo’s women impressed in Luanda, finishing runners-up during Angola’s 50th independence celebrations. Noumazalayi applauded their “fighting spirit” and promised identical logistical support for future fixtures.
Financial hurdles, however, grounded the men’s squad for the African Club Champions Cup in Morocco. The federation vows to build a sponsorship pool so such setbacks do not repeat, highlighting telecom and brewery partners as potential contributors.
Shared ambition for 2024 and beyond
Beyond January’s continental showdown, the federation eyes grassroots revival. A pilot schools league across Brazzaville’s eight districts will start in March, aligning with education authorities to secure courts and first-aid coverage.
Noumazalayi concludes that unity remains the decisive pivot: “When everyone rows in the same direction, medals follow.” For supporters lining up outside Palais des Sports, that vision sounds like a welcome return to handball’s golden beat.
