Rocky Bushiri has spoken out following his involvement in DR Congo’s international training camp in Orléans, expressing pride in both his performance and the team’s results during a productive international window.
The 25-year-old central defender featured in the second of two friendly matches played by the Leopards during their time in France.
DR Congo recorded a pair of victories in Orléans, beating Mali 1-0 before securing a convincing 3-1 win over Madagascar.
Bushiri was included in the lineup for the latter fixture, contributing to a strong defensive display that capped off a successful week for the squad.
Bushiri took to social media following the conclusion of the camp, sharing his appreciation for the team’s collective effort and the support received from the Congolese diaspora in Orléans.
“We had to finish on a high note, and I’m extremely proud of how the boys handled the situation,” he wrote. “Orléans, along with our supportive family and community, was the perfect partner! Thank you to everyone who participated in Congo. Wear the jersey with pride!”
The victories have added to the growing momentum around the Leopards, who continue to show signs of improvement under the guidance of head coach Sébastien Desabre.
The Frenchman has made team unity and tactical discipline key pillars of his management, and the results in Orléans suggest that his message is being well received within the squad.
Desabre used the friendlies as an opportunity to test various players, rotate his squad, and evaluate potential long-term contributors to the national team.
Bushiri, who plies his trade at club level in Scotland, impressed with his composure and physical presence in defence, possibly strengthening his case for more consistent inclusion in future call-ups.
The camp also served as a valuable chance for the Leopards to fine-tune their approach ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
The blend of experienced players and emerging talents has given Desabre multiple options as he continues shaping a side capable of competing at the highest levels in African football.
While the matches were technically non-competitive, the significance of the wins and the quality of the opponents provided a meaningful benchmark for DR Congo’s progress.
The narrow victory over Mali demonstrated resilience and tactical maturity, while the more expansive win against Madagascar allowed the Leopards to showcase their attacking potential.
For Bushiri, the camp marks another step in his international career with DR Congo. Having previously represented Belgium at youth level, his commitment to the Leopards has been met with enthusiasm by fans, and his recent performances suggest he may be set to play a more prominent role in the team’s plans moving forward.
As attention now turns to the next round of international fixtures, Bushiri and his teammates will aim to build on the cohesion and confidence gained in Orléans.
For Sébastien Desabre, the focus remains on developing a competitive squad capable of qualifying for major tournaments and challenging the continent’s elite.
The Orléans camp may have been brief, but for DR Congo and players like Bushiri, it provided valuable preparation, meaningful victories, and a sense of optimism for the journey ahead.
