The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco marked an unexpected turning point in the life of Michel Kuka Mboladinga, better known by the nickname Lumumba VEA. An iconic supporter of AS Vita Club in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this former baker became one of the strongest and most memorable images of the tournament. With every appearance of the Leopards, he stood still in the stands, arm raised, striking a pose reminiscent of Patrice Lumumba.
His silence, consistency, and almost mystical calm quickly made him a true popular mascot of the competition. A striking lookalike of the Pan-African icon, Lumumba VEA carried this symbol with strength and dignity throughout the AFCON, even after the DRC was eliminated in the Round of 16. For many observers and fans, he became one of the real stars of this edition.
A Powerful Gesture from Morocco
This symbolic charge did not escape the Moroccan authorities. Already invited to attend the final and awarded a check, Lumumba VEA was especially honored by a highly symbolic gesture from the host country, which he shared with emotion. From the hands of the Moroccan ambassador to the DRC, Rachid Agassim, he received a legendary jersey: that of the Zaire Leopards during the 1974 World Cup.
Yellow and green, with a distinctly vintage design, this jersey, rich in history and memory, remains a true treasure in the DRC, where the Zaire Leopards still embody immense national pride. This symbol is even stronger as the current DRC could, as early as March, seal its return to the World Cup, more than half a century after its last appearance.
A Pan-African Spirit Reflecting AFCON
Far beyond the pitch, this tribute powerfully illustrates the Pan-African spirit that AFCON sometimes manages to reveal. A rare moment of respect, transmission, and shared memory among the peoples of the continent. By honoring its “VEA” version, Morocco also indirectly but eloquently saluted the vision, struggle, and timeless legacy of the true Patrice Lumumba.
