TP Mazembe, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, once again finds itself at the heart of a controversy. This time, the Lubumbashi club sent a letter to the Minister of Sports and Leisure, François Kabulo, to denounce the blocking of equipment necessary for its CAF Champions League matches.
This situation follows a previous incident where the club’s equipment had already been blocked during the broadcast of an African Football League match in Lubumbashi. TP Mazembe expresses his frustration towards the government, denouncing “the relentlessness of which he is the victim from the public authorities”.
In the letter sent to the Minister of Sports and Leisure, the club explains that the equipment sent by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), including bibs, balls, nets and goal posts, as well as other necessary equipment organizing the meetings, are blocked at different levels, from Customs to the Republican Guard.
TP Mazembe also underlines that the Republican Guard would have received the order to remove all equipment marked “Visit Rwanda”, even if certain batches with this mention have already been received by the club and stored in their premises. The club had previously informed the organizers that it did not wish to display this advertising, which has financial implications.
This situation concerns TP Mazembe, who fears possible sanctions from CAF. The club is scheduled to begin the CAF Champions League group stage by facing Pyramids FC away, then host Mamelodi Sundowns on matchday two at the Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.
The blocking of sports equipment at TP Mazembe endangers the club’s preparation and participation in continental competitions. Not only does this affect the team’s sporting performance, but it could also have economic consequences for the club, particularly in terms of loss of revenue and brand image.
It is essential that the competent authorities quickly find a solution to this situation, in order to allow TP Mazembe to have its equipment and fully participate in CAF competitions. The club and its supporters look forward to a favorable resolution so that the team can continue to proudly represent DR Congo on the African football scene.