Kakuta settles scores: "Those who deserve it rarely play!"

In a no-holds-barred interview with Léopard Leader Foot, Gaël Kakuta expressed his deep disappointment over DR Congo's absence from recent World Cups. The Congolese playmaker, now a mainstay for the Leopards, denounced what he sees as a wasted opportunity caused by poor sporting management:

"In 2017, we had a golden generation: Bolasie was on fire, Kebano at his peak, Mbokani leading the way... We clearly had the quality to make it to the World Cup," he recalls, bitterness evident in his voice.

Kakuta points the finger at Fecofa!

However, this potential was never fully realized. Kakuta blames the Federation for lacking vision and organization:

"There was no structured framework. We had to fend for ourselves. And after every failure, we were made scapegoats," he laments.

"Incomprehensible decisions ruined everything in 2017 and 2021!"

The failed campaigns against Tunisia in 2017 and Morocco in 2021 remain open wounds: "Those were opponents within our reach. But incomprehensible decisions ruined everything. Players out of form were preferred over others who were performing better. It was frustrating."

The midfielder also recalls the playoff against Morocco for the 2022 World Cup: "We told coach Cúper not to line up five defenders. We'd never practiced that system. He insisted... and we were taught a lesson."

Despite everything, Kakuta remains optimistic: "The talent is there. We just need discipline and a real sporting policy. We can bounce back."

The full Gaël Kakuta interview on video:

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.