DRC football mourns Chico Ushindi wa Kubanza after untimely death

The Congolese football community is in mourning following the death of former international Chico Ushindi wa Kubanza, who passed away on Saturday in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga, after an illness.

He was 29. The Congolese Football Association Federation (Fecofa) expressed profound sadness in an official statement.

“Fecofa learned with deep sadness of the death of former Congolese international Chico Ushindi wa Kubanza, which occurred in Lubumbashi following an illness,” the federation said.

Ushindi gained prominence as a key figure for TP Mazembe, where he spent several seasons contributing to both domestic and continental campaigns.

He also represented the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team, the Leopards, showcasing his talent on Africa’s biggest stages.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Ushindi scored his final international goal during the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Cameroon.

That tournament, held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighted his ability to perform under challenging circumstances.

One of his most memorable moments came on 17 January 2021, when he scored the decisive goal in the “Congo River derby,” helping the Leopards secure a 1-0 victory over the Red Devils of Congo at the Japoma Stadium in Douala during CHAN 2020.

TP Mazembe paid tribute to their former player, describing him as a “son of the house” and celebrating his enduring legacy.

“Chico Ushindi has passed away, but his name, his smile, and his talent will forever be etched in the memory of TP Mazembe.

Beyond the player, the club mourns a son of the house. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words,” the Lubumbashi-based club said.

Trained at the Englebertois Football School (Ecofoot), Ushindi later joined AS V.Club in 2025, where he was celebrated for his skill and dedication.

The Kinshasa club said: “It is with great sorrow that we learned the sad news of the passing of Chico Ushindi Wa Kubanza, former Congolese international.

He defended our colors, the green and black, which he wore with pride. For his time with our club, he will remain one of us forever.”

Ushindi’s passing marks another poignant moment for TP Mazembe and Congolese football.

He joins the list of former Mazembe players who moved to V.Club since 2014, including Deo Kanda-a-Mukoko, Zemanga Zoze, and Ghislain Mvete Luyeye. Fans and colleagues alike will remember him for his talent, commitment, and the joy he brought to the game.