EXCLUSIVE: Eymael Claims DR Congo League is Highly Competitive Yet Lacks Essential Infrastructure

Head coach of FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, Luc Eymael (65), asserts that the intense competition within the Vodacom Ligue 1 (Linafoot) has significantly contributed to many players from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) securing positions in top European leagues.

Since his arrival in DR Congo on September 27, 2024, when he took charge of Lupopo, the Belgian manager, with extensive experience across various African teams, has successfully rejuvenated the club’s prospects, positioning them as contenders alongside TP Mazembe.

Currently, in the league which is split into two zones, Groups A and B, Lupopo holds second place in Group A with 31 points garnered from 13 matches; they trail behind Mazembe, who lead the table with 35 points from 14 games.

The two teams clashed in a highly anticipated derby on Sunday, February 23, at the Stade TP Mazembe, resulting in a stalemate at 0-0. So far, Lupopo has clinched 10 victories, drawn one, and suffered two defeats, whereas Mazembe has recorded 11 wins, two draws, and one loss.

DR Congo’s league is highly competitive with talented players

Eymael, who has managed numerous teams in Africa, including Kenya’s AFC Leopards, Tunisia’s Stade Tunisien, and various teams in South Africa, noted that the primary obstacle hindering the Congolese league’s growth on the continental stage is the lack of adequate infrastructure, affecting transportation and pitch quality.

“Unfortunately, my comments pertain to the sporting aspect. The league lacks competitiveness when it comes to infrastructure. Yes, there are good stadiums and changing facilities in Kinshasa, and similarly in Lubumbashi, but elsewhere it varies greatly,” he stated.

Eymael, who previously led Free State Stars to their first cup final in 24 years after defeating Kaizer Chiefs 2–0 in the 2018 Nedbank Cup semi-final, added: “However, when you’re competing in certain cities, it becomes quite challenging. Simply travelling to these locations can be difficult due to limited flight options.”

“The airports are antiquated, and the stadiums you arrive at often feature poor quality artificial surfaces, old playing materials, inadequate changing rooms, and security concerns; this can lead to instances of fans storming the pitch when their teams are underperforming.”

When comparing the DR Congo league to those in Tanzania and South Africa, Eymael, who clinched the Nedbank Cup with Free State Stars following a 1-0 victory against Maritzburg United in the final, remarked: “In comparison to Tanzania and South Africa, the South African league is the best-organised of the three, as they not only have their league but also several other competitions.”

“Tanzania has developed two significant competitions, and I believe both countries have made significant progress in various areas. Tanzania, for instance, has vastly improved its infrastructure since my time there.”

“Stadiums and pitches have seen considerable enhancements, with the quality of their surfaces being quite commendable. South Africa, on the other hand, generally offers well-maintained grass pitches, although there are some smaller artificial ones.”

Among prominent Congolese players currently in Europe are Chancel Mbemba, the national team captain who plays as a full-back for Marseille in Ligue 1, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa in the Premier League, Arthur Masuaku at Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş, Real Betis’ Cedric Bakambu from LaLiga, and Watford’s Edo Kayembe.

Eymael downplays recent ban in Congo as ‘absurd’

On December 24, 2024, Eymael received a six-month suspension from the Congolese league authorities following incidents during a Ligue 1 match against Blessing FC in October, which Lupopo won 2-1.

Linafoot stated that Eymael had made “insulting” comments aimed at the Blessing goalkeeper, officials, and committee members during the match.

When asked about the ban, Eymael, who began his coaching career in Congo with Aigles du Congo, responded: “My suspension? It’s nothing but a joke, an absolute farce. I received a red card that I didn’t warrant; it all unfolded around the 30th of October during our match that was tied 1-1 against Blessing FC. We scored in the 87th minute to make it 2-1, and we were overjoyed as we celebrated in our designated technical area before returning to our bench.”

“While I was seated with someone on the bench, members of the opposing team were disputing the legitimacy of our goal, applying pressure on the referee and fourth official, even confronting the match commissioner.”

“The referee ultimately issued one red card to a player on the opposing team and two yellow cards. In the official report he signed, he noted that it was on the advice of the match commissioner that he intended to restart the game, yet he approached me and presented me with a red card despite my being seated on the bench, claiming I was not fulfilling my role.”

“Confused, I left for the stands, as procedure dictates after a red card, and we subsequently won both games during my suspension.”

Eymael further remarked: “With modern technology, coaching can be done remotely through headphones or walkie-talkies, making bench seating less relevant.

“On November 26, the league authorities announced my six-month suspension, claiming I insulted the goalkeeper coach, the opponent’s bench, and allegedly used racist language.”

Can Eymael guarantee silverware for Lupopo supporters?

With a promising start at Lupopo, Eymael was queried on his ability to secure a trophy for the club.

“If I can assure a trophy for my supporters? I maintain that we are the most popular team in DR Congo right now, with only TP Mazembe being a comparable rival in terms of fanbase,” Eymael explained. “When Mazembe plays, their crowds are often sparse, whereas our matches frequently draw near-capacity crowds.”

“We are striving to qualify for the CAF Champions League this season, but as I mentioned earlier, I worry that the league may not conclude as usual this year due to the upcoming 2024 CHAN at the end of June, which gathers local-based players.”

“Following the CHAN, the preliminary rounds of the Champions League and the Confederation Cup will commence, leaving players with no respite. One must consider whether players can maintain their fitness or if fatigue and injuries become a concern. This is a pressing issue.”

He concluded: “We must monitor the situation and do our utmost until the end, with hopes of progressing to the playoffs and seeing them reach fruition. As I’ve stated, rivalry within the league can be vibrant, akin to high-profile matchups such as Barcelona versus Real Madrid or Liverpool versus Manchester City. Yet here, it often transcends mere competition.

“In fact, in this environment, it can feel like a minor conflict between two clubs, which is lamentable, particularly given the political strife and the ongoing insurgency challenges faced by DR Congo. The impact on the Congolese people is profound, and it’s tragic that warfare continues to persist in various regions. I stand firmly against all forms of war, be it in Congo, Ukraine, or Russia; such occurrences are simply unacceptable.”

Lupopo’s next match in the Linafoot will be an away encounter against JS Groupe Bazano at Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba on Wednesday, February 26th.