Sébastien Desabre sets challenge for new DR Congo Leopards
Desabre demands discipline and resilience from 12 new DR Congo players during the Uganda friendly double-header.
Sébastien Desabre has challenged DR Congo’s new call-ups to earn their place in a competitive Leopards squad. The coach wants them to show immediate impact while matching the discipline, motivation and resilience expected within the national team.
The first friendly against Uganda will be played in Johannesburg on Friday, October 2, 2026, at noon Kinshasa time, with a second meeting scheduled for October 5. Desabre has brought in 12 new dual nationals as part of a wider squad review. Willy Kambwala, Jorthy Mokio, Ezechiel Banzuzi and Stevy Mavididi are among the players being assessed.
The fixtures give the technical staff room to test players and tactical options without the pressure of competitive points. Established figures including Wan-Bissaka, Masuaku, Tuanzebe, Bongonda, Wissa and Mayele have been released for this camp, while Jackson Muleka, Afimico Pululu and Samuel Essende have an opportunity to take greater responsibility.
The newcomers arrive with the Leopards leading their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group after wins over Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe in September. That strong start has raised the standard they must meet, with Desabre making clear that selection will depend on performances and their ability to fit the team’s demands.
Source: Radio Okapi (RDC)
