2013 AFCON MAY BE DRC S LUALUA S LAST
A DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) icon wants to make this an Africa Cup of Nations to remember.
Tresor Lomano Lualua, a journeyman if you like, who has played for English Premier League outfits Newcastle United and Portsmouth, among others, has sadly had a rocky relationship with the national team.
Lualua will be making only his 30th appearance with the Leopards tomorrow, despite making his debut 11 years ago. He s outspoken, so much so that
’ the DRC Football Federation often pleaded with previous coaches not to pick him.
But because of his stature and influence they often ignored that. It s an honour to represent my “’ country,” Lualua says, revealing that, at 32, this Nations Cup might be his last.
In light of the view that he could have captained the DRC in their Group B matches here against Ghana, Niger and Mali, he says: I ve
“’ been there and done that. We are all captains in this team and ... whoever is captain isn t really my business.
’ I am too old to be complaining “or worrying about that.”
His tally of national team caps might be thin, but Lualua certainly loves this competition, I am enjoying my football and “my fourth Cup of Nations. I ve hon
’ estly probably got two or three years left in me.”
However, on the eve of the tournament, Lualua and his teammates
– including coach Claude le Roy were
– ready to snub the Confederations of African Football because of yet another conflict over money with their association. But Le Roy helped the players come to their senses. Part of me coming back is “because of him. I ve got so much
’ respect for him,” says the forward, who is now ready to give back to his community in the DRC.
Like Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast, Lualua has a foundation and aims to use it as a tool to discover football stars and do possible charity work.