DR Congo President Joseph Kabila Boosts Leopards Ahead of African Cup of Nations Semi-Final
As the Democratic Republic of Congo prepares for its crucial 2015 African Cup of Nations semi-final against Ivory Coast, the Leopards received a morale boost from an unexpected visitor. President Joseph Kabila, currently in Equatorial Guinea, attended the team’s final training session at the Bata stadium’s annex field—a crowd unlike any before witnessed the Leopards’ preparations.
Accompanied by Constant Omari Sélémani, president of the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa), Kabila took the opportunity to congratulate and encourage the team. “I would mainly like to congratulate you on behalf of the entire Congolese nation and encourage you. For the first time since 1998, we have reached the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations,” he told the players.
The president also shared a meal with the squad at their hotel earlier in the day, further strengthening team spirit.
Bonuses for qualifying for the quarter-finals have already been distributed, and promises of additional rewards await if the Leopards reach the final or win the title.
On the upcoming battle against the Elephants, Kabila stated confidently, “We are going to face the Elephants. As you know, the Leopard is often very cunning. The objective is to kill an Elephant tomorrow. That will be our trophy.”
With presidential backing and high spirits, DR Congo aims to make history in this fiercely anticipated clash.
