The unifying power of football is undeniable. Passionate fans come together to support their team with fervor and dedication. However, sometimes frustrations and concerns can also be expressed through these protests.
This is the recent case of Tout Puissant Mazembe, a well-known football team in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fan coordinators had planned to march peacefully to voice some concerns about holding a crucial match. Unfortunately, local authorities banned public demonstrations in the city and mobilized police to prevent these supporters from moving.
Faced with this countermeasure, the president of supporters’ coordination, Mario Kawel, decided to go with a delegation to the provincial authorities to submit a memorandum. This document aims to denounce certain decisions which seem to block the Mazembe match in the copper city.
The main point raised by TP Mazembe is linked to the relocation of the match to Tanzania. Indeed, all of the Confederation of African Football’s equipment, including video refereeing (VAR) technology, is stuck in customs in Lubumbashi. In addition, visas for CAF commissioners and VIP guests have not yet been issued.
These logistical problems give rise to questions and doubts about a possible political will to block the match. Supporters affirm their disagreement with this politicization of sport in the DRC, regretting not being able to support their team locally.
Faced with these accusations, the Congolese government, through its spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, defends itself by affirming that there is no specific emergency concerning the match of TP Mazembe against Esperance sportive de Tunis. However, many athletes close to the club continue to denounce the situation and express their frustration.
The match between TP Mazembe and Esperance sportive de Tunis is scheduled for next Sunday in Tanzania, as part of the African Football League. This competition brings together the 8 most prestigious clubs on the continent, including TP Mazembe.
It is unfortunate to see sport being used as an arena for political tension. TP Mazembe, its supporters and the sporting community hope that these logistical problems will be quickly resolved in order to allow a fair match and give fans the opportunity to support their team on their territory.
The passion for football must remain a vector of joy and unity, and not a ground for political discord. Hopefully, the authorities will take into account the concerns of fans and work to resolve these issues in order to restore the spirit of sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game in the Copper City.