Goal Programme - Fédération Congolaise de Football-Association - 2002

Football is the number one sport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national team has appeared in the finals of the African Cup of Nations on 13 occasions, taking home the trophy in 1968 (Ethiopia) and in 1974 (Egypt). They have also reached the semi-finals on numerous occasions. Having topped Group 9 ahead of Libya, Botswana and Swaziland during the qualifying round, the Democratic Republic of Congo will also take part in the 24th African Cup of Nations, to be held in Tunisia in 2004. Football in this country, formerly known as Zaire, experienced its greatest day when the national team qualified for the FIFA World Cup? in Germany in 1974. This remains their only appearance at the showpiece event. The women's national team also grabbed the spotlight in 1998 by finishing third at the African Women's Championship. A number of famous players have emerged from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bonga Bonga, Kalala Mukendi and Ndaya Mutumbala were all prominent names in years gone by. Today, the country's greatest stars include Shabani Nonda (Monaco, France), Lomana Trésor Lualua (Newcastle United, England), Alain Masudi (Sturm Graz, Austria) and Kabamba Musasa (playing in South Africa).

At its meeting on 2 November 2002, the Goal Bureau added the Democratic Republic of Congo to the list of beneficiaries of the Goal Programme. A technical centre to promote youth and women's football is to be built. Following delays in the handover of land to the association, it was not until 15 October 2003 that the project was presented to the Goal Bureau and received the go-ahead. Following a twelve-month hold-up, construction commenced in January 2004. On 12 April 2005, the sports complex was inaugurated by FIFA President Blatter in an official celebration.