DR Congo close in on Banzuzi, Kadile and Mbamba as Boteli opts for Switzerland

DR Congo are set to strengthen their squad with a group of dual-national players, led by RB Leipzig midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi, while Junior Kadile, Noah Mbamba and Jorthy Mokio are also pursuing eligibility for the Leopards.

Banzuzi, 21, has formally announced his decision to represent DR Congo after previously playing for the Netherlands at every youth level through to the under-21s.

The midfielder confirmed the move on Instagram, posting a montage of himself in a Leopards shirt while pointing to the badge of the Congolese Football Association. The caption read: “Mwana Mboka +243” – meaning “the child of the country”.

Banzuzi had earlier been seen at the Congolese embassy in Belgium while completing the process of obtaining his passport. His final appearance for the Netherlands Under-21s came at the end of March, when he started their entire European Under-21 Championship qualifying victory over Norway and provided an assist. He was an unused substitute in a subsequent friendly against Belgium.

Born in Zwijndrecht, Banzuzi developed at NAC Breda before moving to Leuven and joined RB Leipzig in July 2025. He made 28 appearances last season, starting four matches and recording two goals and one assist.

He has begun the current campaign as a regular starter. Last weekend, he played his third match in three possible appearances in all competitions, again starting, and has registered one goal and one assist. He could make his Champions League debut when Leipzig visit Como on Thursday.

Banzuzi may be included in Sebastien Desabre’s squad for the Leopards’ next international gathering and their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Three more players pursuing Congolese passports

Kadile, Mbamba and Mokio are expected to follow Banzuzi soon. According to Leopardsfoot, the three players have visited the Congolese embassy in Brussels to begin the process of securing their passports.

Kadile, 23, previously represented France at Under-16 and Under-17 level. He came through the academy at Stade Rennais and later played for Famalicao, Stade Lavallois and Almere City before joining Servette.

He moved to RC Lens on loan from Servette this summer until the end of the season. Kadile goes into the move after recording 13 appearances, six goals and 10 assists for the Swiss club.

Mbamba, meanwhile, is ending his association with Belgium. The 21-year-old midfielder was promoted to Belgium Under-21 level two years ago and joined FC Lorient on loan from Bayer Leverkusen at the beginning of August.

It is the third successive season in which the 1.96m-tall player has been loaned out by the German club, following previous spells at Dusseldorf and Dender. Mbamba was developed by Genk and Club Brugge and has already made two appearances for Lorient, including one start.

Mokio’s intention to represent DR Congo has been known for some time. However, under the current circumstances, the midfielder may not be able to play for the Leopards until 2028 unless an appeal is accepted by the relevant authorities.

Boteli remains committed to Switzerland

Winsley Boteli, on the other hand, intends to continue representing Switzerland despite strong interest from Congolese officials and approaches from coach Desabre.

The 20-year-old FC Sion midfielder has chosen continuity, according to Le Nouvelliste. Congolese officials have not abandoned their efforts, however.

Blick reports that they wanted to invite Boteli and his family to Kinshasa during the next international break to present their project for the Leopards.