It is difficult to see the Ligue 1 champion ending in the DRC during the regulatory period for the sports season, which, according to FECOFA texts opens on August 1st, and closes May 31st. ‘Next year. If there was an exemption granted to the various sports ministers, last season, the championship couldn’t even be finished. After the completion of his first leg, he was closed.
Concerns have already been raised about the smooth operation of the new 2022-2023 season which began on October 8. The preparation of the A’ national team of the DRC, which will participate in the seventh edition African Nations Championship (CHAN), whose final phase is scheduled for next January in Algeria, has already been criticized.
In the name national interest
The Leopards will play two friendly matches against unknown opponents in November between the 10th to the 20th to prepare. This is announced by Team manager of the Leopards A’, José Ntumba, to Sport News Africa. The leader states that LINAFOOT must do everything it can to help the A ’team of the DRC prepare well.
“I ask LINAFOOT to allow me to make a very thorough preparation. With the calendar that I have seen it will be impossible for me to make a good one. We may bring 10 players from Mazembe, 7 V.club or Lupopo players. You can see that this will cause these two teams to request the postponement so they don’t get weakened. LINAFOOT has to do something. It is in the national interests“, he said.
Respect of a statute
For José Ntumba, LINAFOOT had to take into account the international break in November in the development of its calendar, which it did not do. He also believes that the outcome of the DRC national teams at the next CHAN, will influence the credit that is given to the Congolese champion, which remains among the most successful in Africa in terms the results of its clubs during the interclub competitions. CIF.Therefore, LINAFOOT is important to allow the Leopards better prepare.
“Because the Congolese championship is only known if it has good results at the CHAN, logic dictates that the form and image of the local team should reflect the image of the national championship. Our championship will be even more enhanced if the DRC has a good result at the next CHAN. Everyone knows that November has FIFA dates. The LINAFOOT had therefore to take this into consideration when developing its calendar. It is in the national interest. We are not in an easy team. There are no small teams. Especially when they face the DRC double champion, CHAN, opponents will plan accordingly. Therefore, it is important to prepare ourselves for the event in order to be respected.He said.
After the draw, the Leopards were placed in Group B along with Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda. The trophy has been won twice by the DRC in 2009 and 2016.
Jonathan MASIALA
CHAN 2023 – Here is the schedule of Group B matches (GMT).
January 14, 2023
4:00 p.m. DRC–UGANDA
7:00 p.m. Ivory Coast–Senegal
January 18, 2022
4:00 p.m. DRC – Ivory Coast
7:00 p.m. Senegal-Uganda
January 22, 2022
7 p.m. DRC–Senegal
7:00 p.m. Uganda–Ivory Coast
Source: sportnewsafrica
