By Oni Ladonette Ondesa
Journalist kick 442.com – Cameroon
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has dispatched an official convoy to collect the prominent DR Congo supporter, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, for a formal meeting with the national team.
Journalist Lassana Camara confirms the convoy is currently traveling between Casablanca and Rabat. Mboladinga, widely known as “Lubumba” or “Lumumba Vea,” is expected to reach the Marriott Hotel later today. The Algerian squad requested the meeting to personally thank the supporter and foster a spirit of brotherhood following their recent knockout fixture.
The gesture follows a moment of friction involving Algerian forward Mohamed Amoura. After Algeria’s 1-0 extra-time victory over the DR Congo on Tuesday, Amoura was filmed mockingly imitating Mboladinga’s signature motionless pose before falling to the turf. The player has since issued a formal apology on social media, and this invitation from the FAF is seen as a definitive move to resolve the controversy.
Mboladinga, 53, has been a central figure throughout this Africa Cup of Nations. In a unique tribute to Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba, he stands perfectly still for the duration of every match.
Dressed in a formal suit and tie, he replicates the iconic Lumumba statue in Kinshasa, holding his hand toward the sky for the full 90 minutes and 120 minutes during the recent Round of 16 clash,to symbolize strength and energy for his team.
The “living statue” captured global attention when his stoic composure finally broke. Following the 119th-minute goal that confirmed Congo’s elimination, Mboladinga was seen in tears in the stands.
The meeting with the Algerian team, is intended to honor his dedication and celebrate the shared pan-African history represented by the figure of Lumumba.
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