Congolese Pride and Anticipation for the World Cup
For the first time since 1974, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will make its presence felt on the global stage by participating in the World Cup. This momentous occasion has ignited a wave of excitement among the Congolese diaspora in Belgium, who have long followed the tournament vicariously through the successes of other nations. Terry Nkele, co-founder of T&G Agency, has been keenly observing this burgeoning enthusiasm, having organized events celebrating Congolese culture over the past two years, particularly during matches involving the national team, the Leopards. He passionately expresses his devotion: "It’s the love for my country. I am an ultra Congolese. I love Congo too much, so it was only natural for me to get involved. It feels like a patriotic duty."
The excitement reached new heights during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the DRC made it to the semifinals before being defeated by the eventual champions, Ivory Coast. Nkele recalls, "With each match, the atmosphere was electric. Since Congo was performing well, there was always a large turnout."
A pivotal moment occurred in March when the DRC faced Jamaica in a crucial World Cup qualifying match. Nkele’s agency orchestrated a massive fan zone at LIFT in Brussels that attracted over 1,500 attendees. "It required extensive organization, a lot of energy, and many hands on deck. We knew that if we won, we would qualify for the World Cup. Fifty-two years is no small feat. Fortunately, we won, and everything went splendidly," he shares gleefully.
A World Cup Atmosphere Before the Games Begin
This fervor was palpable again on June 3 during a preparatory match against Denmark in Sclessin, where more than 23,000 spectators filled the stands, overwhelmingly supporting the Congolese team. Nkele and his team even chartered two buses from Brussels to transport supporters to Liège, showcasing their dedication. Throughout the match, the stands erupted with chants, dances, and encouragement for their team. The festivities kicked off with rapper Naza, followed by a halftime performance from singer Ferré Gola, creating an atmosphere akin to a World Cup opening match, despite it being just a friendly.
Nkele reflects on the significance of this moment, stating, "For once, we have the chance to support our country. Our whole lives, we have cheered for Belgium, France, or other African teams. Today, we can cheer for Congo, and there’s nothing better than supporting one’s homeland."
At 36 years old, Nkele has never witnessed the DRC participate in a World Cup, and like many in the diaspora, his connection to the 1974 tournament is rooted in family stories. "Our parents always told us about the World Cup. Now, we can pass this experience on to our children, saying we lived it. It’s historic,” he adds, reflecting on the pride that runs deep within the community, especially with several well-known faces of Belgian football now representing the DRC.
As reported by rtbf.be.
