Sports

TP Mazembe owner Moïse Katumbi to run for DR Congo president

Published

11 months ago

December 16, 2023

Billionaire owner of DR Congo’s top club, TP Mazembe, Moïse Katumbi, has announced his intention to run for the country’s presidency in the December 20 presidential election.

Katumbi, who is one of the most powerful men in the DRC and a multi-billionaire mining magnate, has promised to overhaul the country’s security apparatus and steer the troubled eastern DR Congo towards peace.

Local media reports that Katumbi has not hidden his ambition of running for president as he had previously attempted to gun for the position in the past but was blocked by numerous obstacles, including a jail sentence, death threats and exile.

But now, the popular football boss believes he is ready and hopes 2023 will be the year he finally lands the top job.

While making the announcement, Katumbi said his prior success in boosting infrastructure and education while governor of the country’s richest province, Kantanga, was the pilot programme for Congo.

The 58-year-old who is the leader of the “Together for the Republic” party is considered a front-runner – and so far, four other opposition candidates have pulled out to throw their support behind him.

But Katumbi’s critics have questioned his record on transparency and have accused him of using politics to advance his personal business interests.

A close ally of former President Joseph Kabila, Katumbi once accused the Congolese government of trying to poison him.

“Their plan was to kill me because they are scared about my popularity,” he had said.

On the business front, Katumbi is the owner of subcontracting Mining Company of Katanga (MCK), which he founded in 1997, and which then merged with Canadian firm, Anvil, to become AMCK Mining in 2004.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

15 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”