** Local football in the Democratic Republic of Congo: between popular passion and lack of funding **
On June 2, 2025, Senator Salomon Kalonda expressed his concerns on the situation of the national football championship, Linafoot, on his X account. His message resonates with palpable pain at the heart of a nation where football is often considered a vector of unity and national pride. It has been five years since this competition has struggled to take place until its end, a situation difficult to ignore as football is anchored in Congolese culture.
Kalonda underlined a striking contrast: while the popular craze was distinguished in the final of the European Champions League, where clubs such as PSG and Inter Milan have captured the attention of millions of fans, the local championship doubts its viability. For the senator, this lack of support for LINAFOOT is all the more worrying since the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has a rich sporting potential and a youth eager for success.
It is important to recall that more than 70 % of the Congolese population is under 30 years old. In this context, sport should not only be perceived as a distraction, but as an instrument of economic and social development. Kalonda’s assertions raise questions about the choices of managers and the budgetary priorities in terms of sport. Investing in local clubs and in training centers could, according to him, be a strategic lever to guarantee a promising future for Congolese youth.
** The challenges of the financialization of sport **
Questioning the financing of local football falls at a time when the Congolese authorities seem to favor the sponsorization of European clubs like Olympique Lyonnais. This choice may seem casual in the eyes of many Congolese who wish to see their own supported and valued talents. Is it not essential that investments to promote the tourist image of the DRC are accompanied by efforts aimed at strengthening the national sports fabric?
It is true that the fund allocated to international teams can have repercussions in terms of visibility, but it is legitimate to wonder if these strategic choices are not at the expense of support for local clubs which could, however, make the country shine on the international scene. The discovery of national talents, capable of competing with those of other countries, could also strengthen Congolese identity and nourish a feeling of belonging.
** Towards a reassessment of priorities **
The voice of Solomon Kalonda is part of a broader debate on government priorities and the social implications of sport in the DRC. How to redirect funding towards the development of sports infrastructure and support for young local athletes? The question deserves to be asked, not only within political circles, but also in public discussions.
Reflection avenues could include the creation of public-private partnerships to mobilize financial resources in favor of local football. Initiatives of this nature could promote a constructive dynamic between political actors, entrepreneurs and sports enthusiasts. What could, for example, bring a more inclusive sports policy that not only aims at the elite, but also football enthusiasts in municipalities and neighborhoods?
It is essential to explore the potential of football as a vector for integration, education and economic opportunities for Congolese youth. The renaissance of the local championship could also help to strengthen national pride and community commitment around clubs and national teams.
**Conclusion**
The rallying cry made by Salomon Kalonda raises essential questions about the role of sport in the development of a nation. In a country where football arouses so much enthusiasm, it would be wise to consider innovative solutions to revitalize the national championship. Only a collective commitment and a long -term vision will make it possible to make football a real lever for development and a catalyst for change in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ball is in the camp of managers and players in the sports sector, but also in that of civil society which must mobilize to defend a future which values the richness of its local talents.