DR Congo’s famed 'Lumumba Vea' superfan misses World Cup win over Uzbekistan due to US visa denial, but an impersonator steps in
Michel Kuka Mboladinga, the motionless superfan known as 'Lumumba Vea', could not get a US visa for DR Congo's decisive group-stage match. Enock Kabwende, a 28-year-old look-alike, carried the tribute as the Leopards beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the last 32.
A frozen salute
Since the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Michel Kuka Mboladinga has gained worldwide attention for his motionless tribute to Patrice Lumumba. Wearing brightly coloured suits and holding a raised-arm pose identical to the Kinshasa statue of the slain prime minister, he became known as 'Lumumba Vea'. The Congolese government rewarded his dedication with a jeep in January. Lumumba, killed by a firing squad in 1961, remains a revered figure for his role as the country's first prime minister.
Travel hurdles and an impersonator
Mboladinga's journey to the World Cup was initially delayed by travel restrictions linked to an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo (1,203 confirmed cases, 321 deaths). He eventually reached Guadalajara for the loss to Colombia on Tuesday. But a US visa eluded him for Saturday's must-win group closer against Uzbekistan. With elimination looming, Enock Kabwende, 28, donned a dark suit with leopard print and stood motionless at the top of the 69,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium, briefly appearing on the giant screen to roaring cheers.
I want to keep the culture going. He didn't come here, but we have to represent our country. Patrice Lumumba represents liberty, strong power, prosperity, and freedom in our country.
Ambassador vows to help
Congolese Ambassador in Washington Kapinga Yvette Ngandu told Reuters she would work to secure a visa for Mboladinga if the Leopards advanced. The team entered the match with only one point from two games and needed a victory to reach the last 32. They delivered, beating Uzbekistan 3-1. A round-of-32 clash against England on Wednesday in Atlanta now awaits, and the ambassador remains hopeful.
I hope he brings his own brand of support to the team.
What's next
Kabwende said he hopes the two Lumumba look-alikes can stand together if Mboladinga gets a visa for the England match. 'We are family,' he added. Whether the real 'Lumumba Vea' makes it to the stadium remains uncertain, but the spirit he embodies has already carried the Leopards forward.
- Mboladinga gains fame at Africa Cup of Nations; Congolese government gifts him a jeep.
- Mboladinga attends DR Congo's 1-0 loss to Colombia in Guadalajara.
- Visa denied; impersonator Enock Kabwende steps in as DR Congo beats Uzbekistan 3-1.
- Next match vs England; ambassador hopes Mboladinga gets a visa.
