President of Rugby Africa and Chairman of World Rugby’s Regions, Herbert Mensah, has called on African nations to strengthen governance, infrastructure, and youth development syste
The report indicates that president of Rugby Africa and Chairman of World Rugby’s Regions, Herbert Mensah, has called on African nations to strengthen governance, infrastructure, and youth development systems if the continent is to achieve sustainable growth in sports and broader development.
It further notes that in a statement issued to mark Africa Day under the theme “63 Years of Unity, Integration and Development,” Mr Mensah argued that Africa’s aspirations for unity and integration must translate into measurable outcomes rather than symbolic declarations.
According to him, uneven investment, weak structures, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit the continent’s ability to achieve shared growth and competitive success.
“As President of Rugby Africa, I see this reality up close,” he stated.
“Sport does not develop by chance. It develops when leadership is disciplined, structures are built properly, and investment is directed where it matters most.”
Mr Mensah emphasised that success in sports is determined not only by performances on the field but by the quality of systems operating behind the scenes, including governance, planning, coaching structures, player welfare, and long-term investment.
“The reality is simple: winning off the field matters just as much as winning on it,” he noted.
“When those foundations are weak, success becomes episodic rather than sustainable.”
Drawing from his experience in rugby and football administration, the former football executive warned that pressure for immediate results often leads to poor decision-making and weak long-term planning.
He stated sustainable sporting success requires disciplined structures rather than short-term urgency.
“In sport, as in business, planning is what prevents chaos,” he said.
“When finances are mismanaged, development pathways are weak, or investment in people is neglected, performance eventually suffers.”
Mr Mensah also highlighted the importance of integration across African sports systems, arguing that geography, language barriers, and outdated selection models continue to restrict talent development across the continent.
According to him, stronger regional cooperation can help create coordinated development pathways, improve competition structures, and expand opportunities for athletes beyond national boundaries.
