Who We Are
Sports As A Unifying Force
Back in 2019, Manitoba university student Gode Katembo and his friend Seidu Mohammed recognized that the game of soccer could be a powerful tool for unity.
Gode noticed that differences in religion, culture, race, socio-economic status, and political beliefs created community divisions.
He envisioned soccer as a way to bring people together.
The founders, driven by a shared passion for community and culture, recognized an urgent need. They saw that the various African and other ethnocultural groups in Manitoba were like separate islands, rich in culture but isolated from each other and the broader community.
Determined to change this, they set out to create something special. This vision led to the birth of a non-profit organization originally known as the Manitoba African Cup of Nations (MACN).
The idea was simple yet profound; use soccer’s universal language to unite communities – not just to play in soccer tournaments, but to celebrate their cultures and learn from each other.
A dream turned into reality – fueled by the belief that a soccer ball could bridge gaps and build a connected vibrant community.
So successful was the idea and the increasing demand for soccer tournaments in Manitoba that within three (3) short years in 2022, MACN expanded its mission and underwent a significant transformation.
The organization transitioned from a provincial entity to a federal one, rebranding itself as the Canada African Cup of Nations (CACN).Today, its reach extends from Manitoba to Ontario, fostering community unity on a national scale.
Core Value
Canada African Cup of Nations (CACN) are guided by these core principles

Solidarity
Solidarity in which we prioritize collective action and support especially in communities facing adversity or need.

Safety
Safety from all forms of harassment or abuse at any level. We promote safe sports.

Equality and inclusion
Equality and inclusion to ensure that our soccer tournaments and championships are accessible and free from discrimination regardless of background or identity.

Sustainability
Acting as responsible stewards of our communities and the environment, we promote sustainable practices in all aspects of our operations.

Philanthropy
Give back to the community and support charitable causes.

Integrity & Transparency
We prioritize integrity, fairness, and honesty, and value open and respectful communication with our communities.
Come To Game. Stay For The Culture
Tournaments & Showcases
Canada African Cup of Nations (CACN) invites you to join us for our annual soccer tournaments. Please reach out if you have any questions.
.png)
June 14, 2025
Upcoming
.png)
June 21, 2025
Upcoming

Coming soon
Upcoming
Making An Impact. Uniting Communities
At the Canada African Cup of Nations (CACN), our mission extends beyond the passion and excitement of soccer.
At the heart of what we do is a deep commitment to fostering social change and uniting ethno-cultural communities in Manitoba and Ontario.
Since our inception in 2019, CACN has been at the forefront of organizing community cultural events and soccer tournaments that bridge cultural divides.
Our efforts focus on integrating the vibrant African arts and culture with Canada’s broader community through engaging soccer tournaments.
We are proud to be the largest Black youth-led non-profit organization in Manitoba, serving 17 different Black communities and 7 other ethno-cultural communities throughout the province.
Annually, our soccer tournaments, including our flagship Manitoba African Cup of Nations (MACN), the Ontario African Cup of Nations and All Nations Soccer Indoor tournament, bring together over 2000 young athletes and attract between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators from 32 diverse communities—24 African and 8 other racialized groups.
These events not only showcase athletic prowess but also celebrate cultural diversity, creating a melting pot of traditions and community cohesion.
As a pioneer in Manitoba, we are proud of our role in weaving together the richness of African culture and Canadian soccer tournaments.
Our solid partnerships with 30 local businesses, serving both as vendors and sponsors, reinforce our organizational strength and extend our community impact.
These collaborations have been vital, supporting our vision of unity and empowerment, and solidifying our place as community leaders.


Upcoming Event
December 13, 2024
Upcoming Match
No upcoming matches found

It Starts With
Our Community
Canada African Cup of Nations (CACN) is proud to partner with local organizations and the government of Canada to support our vision of uniting communities through soccer.





Meet The Team
Gode Katembo
President & CEO
Abi Madaraka
VP of Operations
Seidu Mohammed
VP of Operations
Miriam Kabonesa
Director of Finance
Keith Bennett
Director of Marketing
ADVISORY BORARD
OLUWOLE OLALEYE MSc, FIMCB, CEC
Olaleye Oluwole Olanrewaju is a Business Advisor, Management Consultant and Serial Entrepreneur.
He has over 20 years of experience pioneering and supporting businesses from start-ups and new product launches to trade expansion across the Supply Chain and Logistics Industry, Media, Sports, Entertainment, Facility Services, construction, Energy, ICT, Trading, Manufacturing (Local and Multinationals- FDIs) and in Sub-Sahara Africa and Canada.
He is the Founder of JITA Group, The Corporate Training School of JITA Consulting Limited (Canada), JITA Productions Ltd -JITA Studios- Nigeria, Africa and Texas, USA; President of JITA Hope Development Foundation and Perfect Touch Football Club ( FIFA TMS CLUB)
Chipalo Simunyola
He graduated from the University of Manitoba, Asper School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hon) degree. His current board leadership experience encompasses community development, not-for-profit organizations and charities.
Leader with a track record of success in people, business and community development.
He currently serves on several in different capacity for none Profits and community boards. He is currently School Trustee for the Louis Riel School Division, a Chairperson for the Reieelvate Endowment Fund. Committee member for the Manitoba Universal School Trust Fund, Board Chair at Ntungo Noble and seats of the Sports Without Boarders Advisory Board. He is an avid volunteer for the Point Douglas Run, raising money for the women center. He is currently working at Canadian National Railway in sales and marketing.
Bunmi A-re-gbe-sola
MARCO
Bunmi A-re-gbe-sola is a social entrepreneur with over 9 years of
experience delivering top-notch services. He holds a MBA,
AgricBiz, and Supply Chain Qualifications, and several professional training. He is a grass root community leader within the Black community in Manitoba. He is the Outreach
Coordinator to the Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage in Manitoba. He is an advisor to: a new Fintech in Manitoba (AjoPro), a pioneer Online Radio (Swifte Radio), a local TV
station (True Word), RVV, Jericho Consulting, and Canada African Cup of Nations.
He is a lover of Soccer and Basketball played at all levels. He is on the board of
Manitoba League of Persons Living with Disability (MLPD) and of Association of
Black Conservative, Manitoba, among many others. Bunmi brings his expertise in
community and government relations, management, fundraising, media, integrated
marketing communication, youth programming, and project management to the board
SWB.
Marco is an 18-year-old entrepreneur serving as the President & CEO of JasperVOCAL Inc. During the June 2023 Winnipeg South Centre federal by-election, I conceptualized a solution to expedite voter identification through AI-powered automated calling. This prototype built during the campaign evolved into the foundation of our company.
In 2023 alone, JasperVOCAL has successfully identified 3,000+ supporters across five different political campaigns. Beyond politics, we've expanded our reach into businesses, non-profits, and other countries through our services. Spearheading the development at JasperVOCAL, I've been passionate about expanding our business and scaling the company.
Catherine Biaya
been working at Mount Carmel Clinic as a Community Health Facilitator for the
past 12 years within the Community Wellness Program, a Program funded by
Immigration and Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help newcomer’s Permanent resident living in North End Point Douglas settle positively in a new society using different approaches such adult ed. In partnership with Strengthening Families another program within MCC and the Indigenous Social worker, facilitate the inter-cultural dialogue to bridge the gap between new comers and Indigenous to prevent stereotyping and build strong and trusted relationship. She have been facilitating sessions on Financial Literacy to newcomers and emotional and
mental wellbeing for almost 12 years in other to fight against poverty and learn about how money works in Canada and promotes healthy choices.
Mubarak Nsekarije
Mubarak Nsekarije brings over 17 years of unparalleled expertise in business development and thought leadership to his new role as a board member at the Canada African Cup of Nations (CACN).
His profound impact in mentoring entrepreneurs and professionals positions him as a visionary leader, perfectly aligned with CACN's mission of unity and empowerment through sports and cultural events.
Currently leading initiatives at Akin’s Business Center, Organic Reach X and Paradigm Shifters, and as the CEO of Win Social Media, Mubarak Nsekarije harnesses the transformative power of AI and strategic interventions to revolutionize business practices and community engagement.
His work is characterized by a commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting sustainable growth, values that resonate deeply with CACN's goals