Kinshasa, September 22nd, 2026 (CPA). – The senior Leopards football team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been decorated by the President of the Republic, Felix Tshisekedi, in recognition of their qualification and outstanding performance at the 2026 World Cup, on Tuesday at the African Union City in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC. ‘We are gathered here today for a moment of national recognition and to celebrate a strength that DRC embodies – that of a people whose talent, perseverance and unity can give rise to great achievements and accomplish great feats. Through the distinctions conferred upon you, the nation honours a historic sporting achievement. It also recognises a discipline, a dedication to hard work, a spirit of sacrifice and a shared determination to fly our country’s colours high,” has declared President Tshisekedi. He has specified that this recognition extends to all those who has contributed to this journey, including the players who have given their all on the pitch, the coaching staff who has prepared and supported them, the Ministry in charge of Sport which has helped create the conditions for this success, and the members of the official delegation whose dedication has supported the team throughout their mission. “Each of you has played his part in this achievement. Together, you have brought to our people a joy that is now part of our history,” has explained the Congolese Head of State.
Call to preserve national unity
He has furthermore called for the preservation of national unity and solidarity, as demonstrated during the highlights of this competition. “The unity that the Leopards have embodied so powerfully therefore extends beyond the stadiums. It calls on us to look after those who bring us together and to turn our shared identity into a daily expression of solidarity,” he has emphasised. President Tshisekedi has once again praised the quality of play, the determination and the team spirit that have characterised the players, thereby demonstrating their ability to compete with the great footballing nations. Earlier, the audience has listened to the reading of the presidential decrees relating to this national award. This is granted in particular in recognition of the recipients’ merits, demonstrated through their outstanding service to the Congolese nation in the field of sport, specifically in national football, as well as their historic qualification for the round of 32 in this international competition. ACP/