The treatment of Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba by the management of Olympique de Marseille (OM) has sparked significant discontent in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
After a stellar first season that earned him the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé award for the best African player in Ligue 1, Mbemba’s second season did not live up to the same standards.
Consequently, OM has decided to part ways with the captain of the DRC national team, who boasts 85 caps and six goals.
The new coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has excluded Mbemba from his plans, placing him on the transfer list.
Initially, Mbemba was relegated to physical training sessions, sidelined from the team’s tactical drills.
Now, as he approaches his 30th birthday on August 8, he has been entirely excluded from OM’s pre-season preparations, awaiting a transfer to a new club.
“Unacceptable” Treatment Draws Criticism
Herita Ilunga, President of the Congolese Footballers’ Union (UFC) and a board member of FIFPro Africa, the global players’ union, has publicly condemned OM’s treatment of Mbemba.
Ilunga, a former left-back for the Leopards with 32 caps and two goals, expressed his disapproval via his official X account.
“The disrespectful behavior of Marseille’s leaders towards Mbemba is unacceptable, does not honor the history of this club and even less its values.
It is possible to defend the interests of OM while respecting Chancel, this player who defended body and soul the colors of this club with irreproachable and exemplary behavior.
Total support for Chancel,” Ilunga stated.
Mbemba’s Contribution to OM
Chancel Mbemba’s tenure at OM began two years ago when he joined from Porto, where he had made a name for himself.
During his time at Marseille, Mbemba played 85 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists.
His solid performances and dedication on the field quickly made him a key player for the team.
Despite his significant contributions, the decision to exclude Mbemba from both tactical training sessions and the pre-season squad has been met with backlash, particularly from the DRC, where he is highly regarded.
The criticism highlights the broader issue of how football clubs manage player transitions, especially those who have given their all to the club.
Future Prospects for Mbemba
As Mbemba looks for a new club, the football community will be watching closely to see how his situation unfolds.
His exclusion from OM’s pre-season preparations marks a difficult chapter in his career, but his track record suggests he will find a new platform to showcase his talents.
The support from figures like Ilunga underscores the respect and admiration he commands within the football world, both in the DRC and internationally.
OM’s Next Steps
OM, on the other hand, faces scrutiny over their handling of the situation.
The club’s management will need to navigate the backlash while also finding a resolution that respects Mbemba’s contributions and career.
As the transfer window progresses, OM’s decisions will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
In the ever-evolving landscape of football, the treatment of players during transitions remains a critical issue.
Mbemba’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and integrity in managing these changes, values that resonate deeply within the sport’s community.
Le comportement irrespectueux des dirigeants marseillais à l’encontre de @mbemba22 est inadmissible, n’honore pas l’histoire de ce club et encore moins ses valeurs.
Il est possible de défendre les intérêts de l’OM tout en respectant Chancel, ce joueur qui a défendu corps et âme… pic.twitter.com/vTH8dlL7sA— Herita ILUNGA (@Herita23) July 27, 2024
