The Congolese football championship, once at the height of its fame with iconic matches and memorable rivalries, seems to have lost its luster today. In the 2010s, Linafoot was enjoying its golden age, attracting the attention of local and international media thanks to electrifying matches and remarkable performances by clubs such as Mazembe, Vita Club and DCMP.
The highlights of this era remain anchored in the collective memory of Congolese supporters. The fiery derbies between Dragons Bilima and DCMP or Lupopo and Mazembe, animated stadiums and homes across the country. The return of Trésor Mputu after his suspension, symbolized by a spectacular goal broadcast on global television, testifies to the craze that the competition generated at the time.
However, over the years, the media landscape has evolved, cable channels and international competitions have taken precedence over the local championship. National broadcasters have gradually stopped investing in promoting Linafoot, while the performance of Congolese clubs in African competitions has declined.
To restore Linafoot’s image and win back its audience, concrete actions are needed. It is essential to open the doors to journalists and promote more diverse and involved media coverage. By involving journalists in team trips to different regions of the country, Linafoot could offer a more authentic and varied view of the competition.
By encouraging the media to broadcast matches live, offer dedicated programs and special broadcasts, Linafoot could reconnect with its audience and generate renewed interest in the local championship. It is essential to adapt communication strategies to new media consumption habits, by highlighting the authenticity and emotion specific to Congolese football.
In short, for Linafoot to regain its former splendor, a thorough reinvention is essential. By promoting the unique identity of the Congolese championship, diversifying media coverage and involving supporters and journalists more, Linafoot could reconnect with its public and strengthen its attractiveness on the national and international scene.