The national football team of the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently facing a major challenge in view of the qualifiers for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Indeed, recent information highlights a worrying delay in the team’s preparation for this major competition. This situation legitimately raises questions about the management and organization of the Congolese Football Association Federation (FECOFA).
According to the latest reports, FECOFA has filed a complete preparation file for CHAN 2024, but no concrete action has yet been taken. This worrying stagnation seems to be linked to the wait for the approval of an external agency, “Mondial Match”, headed by a Cameroonian national in contact with the Congolese national team. This dependence on a third party raises fundamental questions about the transparency, efficiency and sovereignty of the management of the internal affairs of Congolese football.
A key point to emphasize is that local players, although at the heart of the CHAN since it is a competition reserved for African footballers playing on the continent, do not seem to benefit from the attention and resources necessary to shine. The lack of involvement of local players in the national selection and the gaps in their preparation demonstrate a worrying lack of interest in local football in the DR Congo.
In addition, the recent cancellations of training camps and friendly matches are worsening the situation of the Leopards A’. These missed meetings would have allowed the players to refine their form and cohesion before the qualifiers. Time is running out and each missed opportunity represents a further handicap for the Congolese national team.
It is imperative that the competent authorities become aware of the urgency of the situation and act quickly to turn things around. Success at CHAN 2024 requires serious investment in team preparation, the establishment of optimal conditions for local players and transparent and rigorous management of resources allocated to Congolese football.
In conclusion, in the face of current challenges, the DR Congo must review its priorities and fully commit to the path of sporting excellence. CHAN 2024 is a unique opportunity for Congolese football to shine, it would be a shame to let this potential slip away due to lack of preparation and effective organization.