Claude Le Roy, the coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), is a seasoned regular in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) and is set to participate in his seventh edition of the tournament.
In an interview with AFP, Le Roy expressed his pride in this achievement, stating, “It is even said that it is a record for all continents. Seven is my favorite number. It was my room number at the boarding house. And I reached the quarters six times! I am a Breton in Africa. It is proof of an attachment to a continent that is mine. My greatest pride is that all these countries called me back. Here, we can’t imagine the madness that it triggers when I come back. However, I have never used the buffing brush.”
Le Roy, often referred to as the “White Wizard,” shared the origin of his nickname, saying, “When I was appointed to Cameroon, I was unknown, no one wanted me. In front of the marabouts, I said that my compatriot Merlin was the first sorcerer in history and that if his sorcerers were so strong, Africa would have already won the World Cup. This legend was born from there.”
Reflecting on the state of the DR Congo team after his departure in 2006, Le Roy acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about the current squad. He stated, “After my departure in 2006, the DRC missed three CANs. This team was a little fragile, we were afraid. We started again without a major player. We get back in touch. Our goal was to qualify. We will have three high-level matches to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers in March. If Kembo agrees to come back and if there is also little Mangala from Porto, I have the right to dream. My childhood dream is Brazil, and it remains achievable.”
