DR Congo women’s national team coach Hervé Happy has issued a scathing criticism of the accommodation conditions provided for his players ahead of their opening fixture at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), calling it unacceptable and unworthy of a tournament of such calibre.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, just two days before their Group A encounter against Senegal in Mohammedia, Happy expressed his dissatisfaction with the logistical arrangements that greeted his team upon arrival in Morocco.
“We had a somewhat complicated preparation camp for various reasons,” he began. “But we’re very happy to be here, and we will do our best to have a strong showing in this WAFCON.
It’s a privilege to participate, and my players are motivated. They are competitors, and they are focused on the task ahead.”
The tone shifted as Happy detailed the issues faced by the squad upon checking into their team hotel. “Last night, we arrived at a hotel where smoking is permitted, and where we are sharing a floor with male guests who smoke,” he said. “We immediately wrote a letter to CAF to express our discontent. We cannot allow young female athletes to be accommodated in such conditions.”
He went on to criticise the disparity between expectations placed on players and the quality of the facilities provided. “We demand high standards of discipline and professionalism from our players.
In return, they deserve minimum conditions that support their health, focus, and well-being. This is not about luxury—it is about basic respect. You cannot put young girls in a hotel filled with smoke and expect them to perform at the highest level.”
Despite the controversy surrounding their accommodation, Happy insisted his team remains determined and focused on their footballing ambitions.
“Our immediate goal is the match against Senegal,” he stated. “There is no point in talking about the title right now. Experience teaches us to take things one step at a time. There are three group matches, and our objective is to progress from there.”
Happy acknowledged the high expectations of fans back home but reiterated the team’s measured approach. “The Congolese people want us to go far, and rightly so. But before we talk about going all the way, we need to secure results on the pitch, starting with our first match.”
Addressing the team’s mentality, Happy affirmed their competitive spirit. “No competitor enters a tournament without the desire to win. We’ll play every game with the intent to triumph.
But we’re also aware of the quality of our opponents, and we know results won’t come easily. The tournament will show us how far we can go.”
Despite an underwhelming preparation period and early frustration off the pitch, the DR Congo coach remains confident that his players can rise above the challenges and focus on delivering a performance worthy of the Leopards’ shirt.
Their campaign begins this Sunday at 14:00 GMT against Senegal—a test of both resilience and ambition.
