DR Congo fan poses as statue at Afcon games in tribute to late leader Lumumba
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Democratic Republic of Congo's supporter Michel Kuka Mboladinga pays tribute to his country's late prime minister Patrice Lumumba, by remaining motionless during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D football match against Botswana at El Madina Stadium in Rabat on Dec 30, 2025.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
Most Democratic Republic of Congo fans sang, cheered and played drums, as their team secured a place in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a 3-0 win over Botswana on Dec 31. But one supporter remained motionless throughout the game.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga, dressed smartly in jacket and tie and looking very like his country’s first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, has stood still on top of a makeshift podium at every DR Congo group match in tribute to the politician who was assassinated in 1961.
Nicknamed “Lumumba” because of his tribute act, Kuka Mboladinga sets up his podium in the stands at the start of every game, and raises his arm to strike a pose similar to one held by Lumumba in a statue of him in his country’s capital Kinshasa.
His resolve was tested when DR Congo’s first group game against Benin on Dec 23 lasted almost 115 minutes due to time added on, but he held his position until the final whistle and will get at least one more chance to do it on Jan 6 when his team play Algeria in the round of 16. REUTERS
