Table of Contents
- Mid-Match Tribute to Patrice Lumumba
- Fans Celebrate
- Mboladinga's Endurance
- Reactions from Fans
- Continuing the Tribute
A fan from the Democratic Republic of Congo has gained significant attention for an impressive mid-match tribute to the nation's first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba.
The Leopards secured their place in the last 16 on Tuesday night with a 3-0 victory over Botswana.
A fan from the Democratic Republic of Congo has gone viral for his tribute to the country’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba.Credit: AP
Kuka Mboladinga gained fame for mimicking the pose of a statue of the late Lumumba throughout DRC’s match against Botswana.Credit: AFP
Fans of the DRC celebrated enthusiastically in the stadium and back home, with one devoted follower's tribute to the late Lumumba quickly spreading on social media.
Kuka Mboladinga became an internet sensation for maintaining the same pose as Lumumba's iconic statue, which stands in Kinshasa, for the entire match. Lumumba was assassinated in 1961.
Mboladinga, who resembles Lumumba, wore a jacket and tie to honor the first Prime Minister of his homeland following its independence in 1960.
He held his right arm aloft for an impressive 115 MINUTES before finally stepping down from his makeshift podium.
His remarkable display of endurance amazed football fans watching the match worldwide.
One user commented on X: “This is patriotism at its finest.”
Another added: “DRC needs to advance so we can get Lumumba across the pond!”
Kuka Mboladinga closely resembles the late Patrice Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961.Credit: GETTY
Another observer remarked: “Incredible stamina.”
One fan declared: “The greatest of all time among fans.”
Another contributed: “This is truly beautiful.
“Leaders like His Excellency & Honourable Patrice Lumumba deserve to be celebrated forever.
“We need to educate our children about them.”
Mboladinga's pose during the match against Benin marked the third time he has honored Lumumba in the tournament by imitating his statue.
He previously performed the same tribute during The Leopards’ 1-0 victory over Benin in their tournament opener and their 1-1 draw with another team.
He is expected to be among the DRC fans present when Sebastien Desabre’s squad faces Algeria in their last 16 matchup next Tuesday.
- What was Kuka Mboladinga's tribute about?
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Kuka Mboladinga paid tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, by mimicking the pose of Lumumba's statue during a football match.
- How long did Mboladinga hold his pose?
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He held his pose for an impressive 115 minutes during the match.
- What was the reaction to Mboladinga's tribute?
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Fans worldwide were amazed by his endurance and expressed their admiration on social media, calling it a display of patriotism and incredible stamina.
- Has Mboladinga paid tribute to Lumumba in previous matches?
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Yes, Mboladinga has honored Lumumba by mimicking his statue in multiple matches during the tournament.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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