The Kama Umoja Inc. Committee is full of passionate and dedicated individuals who are driven to create opportunities for women and girls from CALD communities. With a diverse range of skillsets, they bring vast experience in all areas of tournament management

PHILICIA KABIA
President
For over 9 years Philicia has embodied a deep-rooted passion for African Australian football and a vision of integrating the African culture into Australian society.
Her journey began as a co-manager for Burkina Faso, further honing her skills as the manager for Sierra Leone. From 2017 to 2022, Philicia led the charge as the manager for the Democratic Republic of Congo Sydney team
Philicia’s contributions extend beyond the field, as she was among the pioneering players in the African women’s team, pushing the agenda for women’s sports and paving the way for future generations of athletes. With a multifaceted skill set and a relentless drive for excellence, Philicia continues to make a lasting impact in the realms of sports, marketing, and advocacy.
Beyond her accomplishments in football management, Philicia is an Events and Marketing Manager, blending her creative talents with organisational expertise. Simultaneously pursuing a degree in psychology, she demonstrates a commitment to holistic personal and professional growth.
AMINATA MADUA
Vice President
Aminata, a dedicated advocate for equality in sports and women’s empowerment, has been a passionate supporter of women’s football for years. Her journey with the sport began back home in Sierra Leone, where she first encountered the beautiful game while watching the boys play. Inspired by their passion and determination, she eagerly joined them on the field, playing in the rain and falling in love with the sport.
For almost a decade, she attended the African Cup tournament in NSW, rallying behind the men in her community in support, as there was no team for women. In 2021, seizing the opportunity to champion women’s inclusion in the sport, she bravely stepped onto the field to compete in the women’s tournament at AFCON. Her commitment continued into 2022, where once again, she proudly represented the women’s side.
Now Aminata wants to do more for the inclusion of women in football to really make an impact and play a major role in empowering women through football.


FRANCIS ODONG
Treasurer
For over a decade, Francis has held various roles in corporate finance, funds management and debt capital markets in Perth and Sydney.
Currently, he works for a leading real estate firm in its debt and structured finance team. The team’s function is advising clients on structured finance solutions, risk management/hedging and raising capital for institutional clients, raising over A$2.5B of debt.
More importantly, he is a die-hard football fan, having been involved in football for over 20 years. His passion is to help grow the game of football in Australia and promote inclusivity among the community.
ANN ODONG
Secretary
For 19 years Ann has been an advocate for women’s football in Australia and in 2024 was named in the NewsCorp 100 Most Influential Women in Sport. In that time she founded and ran The Women’s Game website, and worked for FIFA, Football Australia, the Asian Football Confederation and UEFA.
In 2018 Ann joined the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Bid Team helping bring the tournament to Australia. Pre and during the tournament, she led the Matildas Media & PR strategy focused on transforming women and girls’ perception of their participation in the game.
She was involved in the Men’s African Cup NSW Organising Committee from 2019 – 2022. Her passion is unlocking access in the game for women and girls of colour and breaking down the barriers to participation


CLEMENT WAOCI
Committee Member
Clement is a dedicated professional with over 9 years of experience in the youth and community sector, with a strong focus on the betterment of the Congolese community & African community at large
Alongside his involvement in community engagements, Clement is deeply intertwined in Congolese football team, actively working to promote and enhance the sport within his community, which included pushing & organizing for the countrywide Congolese Cup Clement was also the main advocate for the inclusion of a female football competition in the NSW African Cup, demonstrating his commitment to advancing women’s football on a larger scale.
Clement’s passion for the sport dates back to his youth when he was was just a boy playing football with man in the dirt of Tongogara refugee camp in Zimbabwe. Complementing his practical experience, he pursued a Diploma of Sports Development with (FC11), further solidifying his knowledge and expertise in the field.
AKWASI APPIAH
Committee Member
Once a dedicated semi-professional footballer in Sydney’s NPL, Akwasi has seamlessly transitioned into a community football blogger, captivating audiences with his deep understanding and passion for the game through social media.
Akwasi’s instagram account, CIVIL FC, fosters a sense of belonging and unity among football fans. It serves as a virtual gathering place where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to share their love for the beautiful game.In essence,
Akwasi’s journey from semi-pro footballer to community football blogger embodies the transformative power of passion and dedication. Through his blog, he continues to inspire, inform, and connect individuals within the vibrant tapestry of the football community.
From the bustling pitches to the virtual realm of his blog, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the football community. Drawing from his years of experience on the field, Akwasi serves as a beacon for local teams, aspiring players, and avid football enthusiasts, offering a platform for discussion, celebration, and, most importantly women’s football, in the African community that resonate with fans across the community.


SOFIA WILLIAM
Committee Member
Growing up in a football family, with her dad coaching back home and two older brothers playing professionally in Australia, Sofia was automatically drawn to the sport. However, being a black woman, she felt family and community pressures that pushed girls away from the sport.
For the love of the sport and in the face of limitations, She joined the AFCON girls completion in its inaugural season and for the past couple of years, we have been breaking boundaries on the pitch. I captained the Congo Womens team for 3 years and felt the talent from women and girls from CALD communities continues to get overlooked. This is why Sofia is thrilled to be a part of something so positive and uplifting for CALD communities. Something that will continue to push boundaries and potentially be a breakthrough for all women and girls from CALD – a new social norm, that of inclusivity and support.
Off the pitch she has been involved in social media marketing for the Congo team. Sofia is a recent graduate with a creative degree in Building Design Management (Hon) and have been in customer care / social support for 4+ years. Continuing to challenge social norms off the pitch also.