The issue of sport continues to challenge the Congolese government and citizens. The Minister of Sports, François Kabulo Mwana Kabulo, appeared before the senators to answer the various oral questions with debate. During this exchange, the Minister confirmed the holding of the 9th edition of the Francophone Games in Kinshasa from July 28 to August 6, 2023.
However, one of the concerns raised was the method of payment for the athletes who will participate in this event. The Minister gave a clear answer on this subject by stating that all athletes and officials will now be paid by the banking system. An important step has also been taken in terms of the payment of local athletes, as the players selected for the match on June 18 have already been banked and their accounts supplied.
In addition, the minister informed the senators that the delay in payment of the salary of the national coach Sébastien Desabre has been settled. This announcement will probably galvanize the national team which had started the playoffs in a somewhat difficult way. Nevertheless, the Leopards now have a real chance of qualifying if they win against Gabon.
This statement by the Minister of Sports should reassure all the actors involved in this international competition and bring more seriousness and organization to the management of sport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the authorities will have to remain vigilant as to the effective implementation of the measures mentioned in order to guarantee the success of the event, and above all the sustainability of the development of sport throughout the Congolese territory.