Marcel Tisserand, born to a French father and a Congolese mother, made the early decision to represent his mother’s homeland at the international level. Over the years, he has become a cornerstone of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s defense, earning respect not only for his abilities on the pitch but also for his leadership qualities. His consistent performances and influence within the team have now culminated in him being handed the captain’s armband by the newly appointed coach, Christian Nsengi Biembe.
The timing of this promotion comes amid a challenging start for the Leopards in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. After two matchdays in Group D—facing Gambia, Gabon, and Angola—the DRC has managed just two points from two draws. Despite the sluggish beginning, Tisserand has embraced his new responsibility with pride and humility, underscoring the honor it represents to lead his national team.
In a recent statement, Tisserand expressed his deep appreciation for those who helped shape his career, from the coaches who recruited him at age 16 to his teammates across various levels of Congolese football. “I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to the National Team. It is a tremendous honor and a great source of pride to have been entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the Leopards A. I want to thank those who recruited me at the age of 16 to wear this magnificent jersey of the Great Congo, those who helped shape me, and those who have placed their trust in me by granting me this captaincy. My thanks also go to all my teammates from the youth teams to the senior squad,” he declared.
Tisserand also took the opportunity to acknowledge the leaders who wore the armband before him, particularly Youssouf Mulumbu, whose contributions and guidance left a lasting impact on the team. This gesture highlights the respect and continuity Tisserand intends to maintain as he steps into his leadership role.
Despite the team’s difficult start, the Wolfsburg defender is resolute in his commitment to improving results and guiding the Leopards toward qualification. “We had a difficult start in the last two matches for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations. We are aware of our responsibilities, we will not give up,” Tisserand said, signaling his determination to lead by example on and off the field.
As captain, Tisserand’s role extends beyond his defensive duties. He is tasked with uniting the squad, motivating his teammates, and ensuring that lessons from the early setbacks translate into stronger performances in upcoming fixtures. With Group D being highly competitive, every point is vital, and Tisserand’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.
In sum, Marcel Tisserand’s rise to captaincy reflects both his individual development and the trust the coaching staff has in his ability to lead. While the Leopards face an uphill battle in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Tisserand’s commitment, experience, and pride in representing the DR Congo signal that the team will continue to fight for every point and every opportunity to secure a place in the final tournament.
