Trésor Mputu’s Absence Sparks Debate as DR Congo Prepares for AFCON
Trésor Mputu, a standout star for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), has been notably absent from coach Florent Ibenge’s pre-selection squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, stirring controversy among fans and football communities online.
Coach Ibenge addressed the concerns, emphasizing that the decision was based solely on the player’s physical condition. “I believe that physically Trésor Mputu is not ready to play in the 2015 CAN. A player’s physique counts a lot in a competition like the CAN,” he said.
Mputu, who transferred from Tout Puissant Mazembe to Angolan side Kabuscorp earlier this year amid difficult circumstances, has struggled with a knee injury that severely limited his playing time. After undergoing surgery last July, he has only recently returned to action, having played just eight matches this season—two of which were starts—totaling around 180 minutes on the pitch.
“The reason for Mputu’s non-selection is purely sporting. After his knee operation, he did not play much with his club. He returned just as the Angolan championship was ending. The injury he suffered requires a lot of time to get back into shape,” Ibenge explained to TOP CONGO FM.
With other players in Mputu’s position such as Neskens Kebano and Hervé Kage enjoying regular club football, the coach prefers to rely on those match-fit athletes for the national squad.
DR Congo is set to begin its preparations for the tournament this Tuesday in Yaoundé, as the Leopards aim to make an impact at the upcoming AFCON.
