Unexpected Meeting at Costa Coffee Initiates Talent Search for DRC
Parley’s Costa Coffee served as an unexpected backdrop for a pivotal 2022 meeting between Gabriel Zakuani and Sebastian Desabres, the newly appointed director of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This clandestine engagement focused on football talent, particularly with Aaron Wan-Bissaka awaiting a call-up to the England Under-21 squad. Zakuani, who was born in Kinshasa and has represented the DRC in three African Cups of Nations, had other ambitions in mind.
Seizing the Moment for Nationality Change
“The manager called me out of the blue while I was in London,” Zakuani recalls. What began as an impromptu trip to discuss potential players for the DRC quickly escalated. Within an hour of their conversation at Costa, Zakuani reached out to Wan-Bissaka’s family. They convened at Wan-Bissaka’s home to discuss the prospect of him switching his national allegiance. This pivotal dialogue transformed their initial plans into a serious recruitment drive.
Wan-Bissaka’s Future with West Ham
Wan-Bissaka is set to join West Ham in 2024 and was expected to be included in manager Thomas Tuchel’s squad in March 2025. However, when that opportunity did not materialize, Zakuani acted decisively, placing an offer on the table that was quickly accepted. “I think this was probably his last chance to represent England,” Zakuani said, emphasizing the strength of the DRC’s interest.
Exciting Prospects for DRC Team
Since switching allegiances last August, Wan-Bissaka has shown no regrets. He now joins Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, who, like Zakuani, has roots in the DRC and is part of the Leopards squad. The DRC team is gearing up for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco, followed by an important playoff in Mexico for a World Cup spot.
Road to World Cup Qualification
The DRC made headlines by defeating Cameroon and Nigeria in November, propelling them to the African play-offs. A potential victory against Jamaica in Guadalajara would mark their return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they became the first sub-Saharan African team to qualify.
Zakuani’s Evolution as a Talent Scout
Zakuani’s journey as a talent scout began during his playing days. After extensive efforts to persuade Yannick Bolasie to join the DRC, Zakuani has observed a shift in attitudes towards national representation. “Attracting players has become much easier,” he notes, attributing this change to the DRC’s improving performance and a newfound potential for World Cup participation.
Commitment to Discovering New Talent
Fluent in eight languages, Zakuani serves as an assistant coach for the DRC’s under-20 team while also scouting European leagues for players of Congolese descent. Initially, his approach was more casual, but now it involves targeted efforts, including attending matches and training sessions. “Having captained the national team for some time, I’ve established relationships that facilitate the recruitment process,” he explains.
Potential for a Bright Future
The emergence of young talents like England Under-20 forward Joel Ndala further underscores the DRC’s potential. If the DRC qualifies for the World Cup, increased interest from other teams is anticipated. Zakuani remains optimistic about their prospects, driven by the legacy of the iconic 1974 Zaire team. “The federation has made it clear that qualifying for the World Cup is our primary focus,” Zakuani states. “We cannot afford to wait 52 years for another opportunity.” With a blend of talent and commitment, the DRC is poised for a significant footballing renaissance.
