THE METROPOLIS : 52 years later, the DRC is finally back at the World Cup. What are your personal feelings as Team Manager of the Leopards?

DODO WORKS : It's a source of immense pride. We know we've written an important page in the history of Congolese football. Behind this qualification lie many sacrifices, hard work, sleepless nights, and above all, a collective belief. Seeing the Congolese people smile again thanks to the Leopards is the greatest reward.

Discipline, organization and unity changed the destiny of the Leopards

Many talk about the work of coach Sébastien Desabre, but less about the internal organization. What exactly was your role in this historic qualification?

The Team Manager's role is often behind the scenes, but it's essential. We worked on the team's overall organization: logistics, travel, equipment, player administrative files, and relationships with clubs, FIFA, and CAF. Our mission was to ensure that the players and coaching staff could operate in the best possible conditions.

You have often emphasized discipline and team cohesion. How did you manage to instill this culture within the Leopards?

We established a clear framework from the outset. Each player knew their responsibilities and the rules of how the group operated. But beyond the rules, we prioritized dialogue, mutual respect, and a family atmosphere. When a group shares the same goals, thediscipline becomes natural.

The administrative management of modern players has become very complex. What were the biggest challenges encountered during this qualifying campaign?

Today, international football demands extremely rigorous organization. Behind every match, there is a huge amount of administrative and logistical work that the public doesn't always see. During this qualifying campaign, we had to anticipate several aspects: visas, FIFA-related documents, travel authorizations, bookings, but also the ongoing coordination with the clubs of players based abroad.

There were sometimes last-minute changes, injuries, scheduling conflicts, or urgent situations that needed to be resolved within hours. In these kinds of situations, you have to be very responsive and keep your cool. The most important thing was to maintain a professional organization so that the players could remain focused solely on the pitch. I think this administrative rigor and ability to anticipate also contributed to the stability of the group and, ultimately, to the Leopards' historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

It is often said that a great team is built on the details. In your opinion, what are the invisible details that have changed the face of the Leopards today?

Details make all the difference at the highest level. We improved preparation, recovery, video analysis, physical monitoring with GPS, and above all, internal communication. Every detail mattered. The players felt they were operating in a professional environment, and this boosted their confidence.

Seeing the Congolese people smile again thanks to the Leopards is the greatest reward.

Your collaboration with Sébastien Desabre seems to be one of the keys to your current success. How does this partnership work on a daily basis?

The coach has brought a modern vision and high standards. We constantly exchange ideas on all aspects related to the team. There is mutual trust and, above all, a shared desire to help the Leopards progress. Everyone knows their role and works in the collective interest.

You are also president of the Congolese Footballers' Union. How does this experience help you in the human resources management of international players?

My experience leading the Congolese Footballers' Union has taught me a great deal about the human dimension of modern football. Behind every international player, there is a man, a family, a career, responsibilities, and sometimes difficulties that the public is unaware of. This role allows me to better understand their daily realities, their expectations, and also the pressures they face in their clubs and with the national team.

My experience leading the Congolese Footballers' Union has taught me a lot about the human dimension of modern football.

In managing a high-level group like the national football team, dialogue is fundamental. A player who feels listened to, respected, and valued often gives their best on the field. We have always prioritized communication, listening, and mutual respect to create a climate of trust within the group.

Today, players need a professional environment, but also a human one. It is this closeness, this understanding, and this cohesion that allowed the Leopards to remain united in difficult times and to achieve this historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Congolese fans have rediscovered a true sense of pride in the Leopards. What message would you like to send to the Congolese people after this historic qualification?

I would like to thank all the Congolese people for their exceptional support. This qualification belongs to the entire nation. The prayers, encouragement, and love of the public have carried the players. We ask the people to continue to believe in this team.

Having reached the semi-finals of the AFCON and secured qualification for the World Cup, what are the real ambitions of the DRC on the international stage?

The DRC must now think like a major footballing nation. We no longer want just to participate; we want to be competitive against the best teams in the world. This will require hard work, stability, and the development of football at all levels.

What would you say today to young Congolese people who dream of serving their country in the shadows, like you, without necessarily being in the spotlight?

I would tell them that hard work always speaks for itself. You can serve your country with passion without necessarily being in the spotlight. Great achievements are often built by those who work behind the scenes. You have to believe in your dreams, remain disciplined, and work honestly.

I would tell them that hard work always speaks for itself. You can serve your country with passion without necessarily being in the spotlight.

Many observers of Congolese football believe that some players in the national league, as well as several dual nationals performing well in Europe, do not receive enough opportunities to play for the national team. How does the Leopards' coaching staff currently evaluate the selection criteria, and what guarantees can you offer regarding fairness, monitoring, and the integration of Congolese talent, whether they play in the country or abroad?

The national team remains open to all Congolese players capable of adding value to the Leopards, whether they play in the country or abroad. We regularly monitor the performances of players in the national league as well as those of dual nationals playing in Europe. But wearing the Leopards jersey isn't solely about talent. Current form, consistency, top-level experience, adaptation to the playing style, and commitment to the national team must also be considered. We understand the public's expectations regarding certain local or dual-national players, and we are working to strengthen scouting to give greater visibility to national talent. Our goal remains to build a competitive, balanced team capable of proudly representing the DRC.

If you had to summarize this generation of Leopards in three words, which would you choose?

Discipline, unity and ambition.

And the final word?

With the World Cup just days away, it's a time for dreams, unity, and passion. Football brings people together, thrills nations, and inspires a whole generation. May this competition be a celebration of talent, fair play, and pushing beyond limits. The world is ready; let the show begin.