Democratic Republic of Congo’s iconic superfan, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, will be missing from the stands for his country’s crucial World Cup clash against Uzbekistan after he was denied a United States visa.
The passionate supporter, whose unforgettable matchday routine turned him into a global sensation during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco earlier this year, had hoped to cheer on his team as they fight for a place in the Round of 32.
Mboladinga became one of the most recognisable faces of the tournament in Morocco after standing completely motionless throughout DR Congo’s matches in honour of the country’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, who remains a revered figure in the nation after he was executed by firing squad in 1961.
Known for his striking resemblance to Lumumba, Mboladinga often dresses in colourful outfits reflecting the colours of the Congolese flag while maintaining his now-famous pose in the stands.
Although he was present to support DR Congo during their previous World Cup match against Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico, which ended in a 1-0 defeat on Tuesday, he will not make the trip to Atlanta for Saturday’s must-win encounter against Uzbekistan.
The Congolese Ambassador to Washington, DC, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu, told Reuters she remained hopeful that Mboladinga would eventually secure a visa should DR Congo progress to the knockout stage of the tournament.
“I hope he brings his own brand of support to the team,” she said on Saturday.
Nicknamed “Lumumba Vea” because of his tribute to the late nationalist leader, Mboladinga raises one arm in a pose resembling that of Lumumba’s statue in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
In sharp contrast to the singing, dancing and chanting supporters around him, he remains perfectly still for the duration of the match.
His unusual style of support earned him worldwide attention and admiration, and upon his return from Morocco in January, the Congolese government rewarded him with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Mboladinga’s journey to the World Cup had already faced setbacks after travel restrictions were imposed on visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo following an Ebola outbreak in the country.
According to government figures released on Friday, the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC has risen to 1,203, including 321 deaths.
