Having served in the role since 2005, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) member secured the position at the top of ANOCA after running unopposed in his nation's economic capital city.

"I have now graduated to come back to re-organise things at ANOCA," Palenfo said.

"I have to put to use my years of experience in organising from the IOC."

Delegates from the 52 present National Olympic Committees elected Algerian Mustapha Ibarraf as first vice-president 36-15 ahead of Chad's Aggrey Moussa Mahamat, while Dacosta Joao Manuel of Sao Tome and Principe defeated South African Tubby Reddy for the second vice-president role.

Mauritian Hao Thy Voon Phippe Ha Shun defeated two others to emerge as third vice-president, with the fourth vice-president position, which is contested exclusively by women, going to Matiohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo, the President of Lesotho Olympic Committee.


Zimbabwean Tommy Sithole ousted incumbent Khaled Zein El Din of Egypt, who had filled the position since 2009, to be elected as ANOCA secretary general.

Sithole secured the position - a role he previously served from 1997 to 2003 - by 26 to 24 votes after both had earlier tied at 25-25 with two votes voided.

Nigeria's Habu Gumel was re-elected as treasurer general and said his first priority is to see the completion of ANOCA's permanent secretariat building in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

"My immediate task on return to Nigeria is to ensure the full completion of the ANOCA building in Abuja, so that ANOCA can settle in Nigeria," the IOC member explained.

"This is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Government and ANOCA.

"As a member of the Executive Committee, I will work hard to accomplish this task."

The newly-elected Committee will serve four-year terms from 2013 to 2016.

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