World Cup: Tshisekedi galvanizes the Leopards before their duel against England
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- President Félix Tshisekedi rallied the Congolese national football team, the Leopards, before their World Cup match against England.
- He urged the players to display unity, courage, and discipline, emphasizing their role in showcasing a positive image of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Tshisekedi highlighted the team's historic qualification as a symbol of national resilience and ambition.
President Félix Tshisekedi delivered a powerful message to the Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, ahead of their crucial World Cup Round of 16 match against England. Speaking on the eve of the nation's independence day, the President urged the players to compete with both composure and audacity.
History has not yet delivered its final word.
"History has not yet delivered its final word," Tshisekedi told the team, stressing the importance of discipline, courage, and intelligence. He reminded them that their performances have already made the nation proud. The President framed the Leopards' fighting spirit as a model for the entire country, advocating for unity and self-belief.
This is the image of Congo we must preserve and grow: a united, ambitious, resilient Congo determined to hold its own among nations.
"This is the image of Congo we must preserve and grow: a united, ambitious, resilient Congo determined to hold its own among nations," Tshisekedi stated. He added that through their bravery and dedication, the Leopards have shown the world that the DRC is more than its crises; it is a nation of talent, boldness, discipline, and unwavering belief, even in difficult times.
The Congo is also talent, audacity, discipline, resilience and that ability to believe until the end, even when the path seems difficult.
The President also pointed to the team's historic qualification for the tournament, achieved after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, as a profound lesson in solidarity, hard work, and resilience. He noted how Congolese citizens, both domestically and in the diaspora, united behind the team, reflecting an ambitious and resilient Congo ready to assert its place on the global stage.
Beyond the result, this victory carries a profound meaning. It reminds us that no objective is out of reach when discipline, work, solidarity and faith in our own strengths combine.
Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.