.png)
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.
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.
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).
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.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to use arts and sports as a way to drive positive change, bring communities together, and fuel the passion for cultural engagements. Our events and programs are aimed to act as catalysts for promoting hope, health, and ethnocultural awareness while maintaining unity and upholding integrity in our communities across Canada. Above all, we hope for programs to sustain our identities, help us learn from each other, and strengthen the bond of togetherness to nurture rich community relationships.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to create a welcoming and inclusive community where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate African culture as well as to learn and enjoy the beautiful game of football. Through our community-surrounded initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, mutual respect and cooperation, encouraging participants to embrace cultural heritage and preserve it for future generations.
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.
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.
