It seems that the Congolese national football team, known as the Leopards, is gearing up for the CAN 2013 (African Cup of Nations) with a comprehensive preparation plan. The Fécofoot (Congolese Football Federation) has announced that the team, under coach Claude Leroy, will begin its preparation next month in South Africa.
Here are some key details:
- Training Camps:
- The first training camp is set to take place in Port Elizabeth from December 8 to 18.
- This camp is exclusively reserved for local players, and some of them are expected to be part of the final squad of 23 players for the competition.
- The second training camp is scheduled from January 3 to 15 in Oman.
- Player Inclusions:
- The first camp in South Africa will include local players, while the second camp in Oman will involve professional players.
- Professional players are expected to be released by their clubs in accordance with FIFA provisions, which typically allow for the release of players two weeks before the start of international competitions.
- Group Stage Opponents:
- In the CAN 2013, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been drawn into Group B alongside Ghana, Mali, and Niger.
- Previous CAN Triumph:
- The announcement mentions that the DRC has already won the CAN in 1974.
It appears that the training camps aim to bring together a mix of local and professional players under the guidance of coach Claude Leroy, providing comprehensive preparation ahead of the tournament. The inclusion of experienced coaching staff and a well-planned training schedule reflects the seriousness of the team’s preparations for the CAN 2013.