About BIFA South Africa
BIFA South Africa is an endorsed national chapter aligned to BIFA Global’s multilateral vision — using sport, beginning with football, as a bridge for unity, development, integrity, and international cooperation across BRICS and partner nations.
Multilateral Alignment
Women-led Leadership
Youth & Legacy Focus
Integrity & Compliance
Our Origin Story
BIFA South Africa was born from a recognition that the global sports landscape is shifting. As the world moves towards a more multipolar order, sport—and football in particular—remains the most powerful language of connection. However, the governance and economic benefits of the game have historically been concentrated.
We identified a critical gap: the need for a cooperative, transparent, and development-focused platform that serves the interests of the Global South, BRICS nations, and emerging economies. BIFA South Africa represents a bold step towards filling this gap.
Our mandate goes beyond the pitch. We view football as diplomacy—a tool for strengthening international relations, fostering cultural exchange, and driving economic development. By aligning with BIFA Global’s multilateral vision, we are positioning Africa not just as a source of talent, but as a strategic pillar in a new global sports order.
At our core, we are driven by the principles of dignity, sovereignty, and cooperation. We believe that every nation should have the agency to shape its sporting future, and that by working together, we can build a legacy of integrity and excellence that transcends borders.
Key Strategic Themes
- Sport as Diplomacy
- BRICS & Global South Unity
- Youth Pathways & Legacy
- Women-led Leadership
- Sovereign Governance
- Digital-first Operations
Our Foundation
Vision
To build the next great force in football by 2035 — inclusive, sovereign, and united.
Mission
To channel the global football economy toward the growth of BRICS and partner nations — creating a multilateral platform for unity, female equity, youth empowerment, and competitive excellence.
Our Core Values
Core Pillars
Football Diplomacy
Fostering international relations and cultural understanding through the universal language of the beautiful game.
Youth & Legacy Development
Creating sustainable pathways and academies to nurture the next generation of world-class talent.
Female Equity & Leadership
Championing women in decision-making roles and ensuring equal opportunities across the sport's ecosystem.
Digital Transformation
Leveraging cutting-edge technology to modernise sports administration, engagement, and performance analysis.
Sovereign Governance
Upholding the highest standards of integrity, national autonomy, and ethical compliance in all operations.
Multilateral Partnerships
Building sustainable commercial and investment ecosystems across BRICS and partner nations.
Governance Framework
Core Principles
- Sovereign national chapter mandate
- Ethics and accountability
- Match integrity & licensing frameworks
- Transparency and oversight
- Alignment with federations, ministries, institutions
Our governance structure is designed to ensure rigorous oversight while empowering agile execution. We operate under a clear separation of powers between strategic oversight (Board) and operational execution (Executive Committee).
Meet Our Executives
Dr. Nneka Ikem-Anibeze
President
Women’s leadership champion and sports diplomat advancing integrity, youth development, and multilateral cooperation.
Carlos Henrique dos Santos Souza
VP: Global Partnerships & International Affairs
Former professional footballer and sports diplomat leading international cooperation.
Jibran Chouguley
VP: Commercial & Investment Affairs
Commercial strategist focused on sustainable revenue and investment ecosystems.
Ashley Khabana
Exec. Director: Technology & Digital Transformation
Leads systems modernisation, data readiness, and digital transformation.
Motheo Mabeba
Exec. Director: Youth, Innovation & Legacy Development
Leads youth pathways, grassroots development, and legacy programmes.
Strategic Roadmap
Activation
Youth pathways activation & academy structuring.
Competition
Queens & Legends Unity Cup kickoff.
Scaling
Championships & governance scaling across regions.
Global Stage
Inaugural World Cup concept realization.
How BIFA Works
We emphasise strict governance alignment and compliance across all partnerships.
Legal & Compliance
- Operates within South African corporate frameworks
- POPIA-aligned data principles
- Ethics embedded in governance
- Transparent institutional conduct
Join the Movement
Unity, women-led future, youth empowerment, multilateral sport diplomacy.