Fans of Tout Puissant Mazembe in Lubumbashi made their voices heard by expressing their dissatisfaction with the Minister of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi. Their frustration stems from the fact that their club has not benefited from state subsidies for 3 years, a situation they see as a form of unfair punishment.
In an open letter addressed to the minister, TP Mazembe supporters denounced the discriminatory treatment of which their team is subjected. They criticize the fact that other clubs receive financial support from the government for African competitions, while TP Mazembe, which has made the DRC so proud in continental competitions, is left out.
Supporters’ spokesperson Robert Bikunga highlighted the unacceptability of this situation and called for more fairness in the treatment of football clubs. Determined to assert their demands, TP Mazembe fans have planned peaceful demonstrations for March 27, 29 and 30 in Lubumbashi. Their objective is to denounce the supposed bias of the Minister of Finance and to demand fair treatment for their team.
It is important to note that all clubs representing the DRC in CAF competitions have benefited from financial support from the government, with the exception of Mazembe since 2020.
This mobilization of TP Mazembe supporters highlights the issues of financing and support for football clubs in the DRC, and raises questions about fairness and transparency in the allocation of government resources. Through these demonstrations, fans show their deep attachment to their team and their determination to defend its interests.