The Democratic Republic of Congo's iconic "statue superfan," Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, will not be present for his country's World Cup match against England due to visa complications that have left him stranded in Mexico. He is expected to be replaced by a younger protégé.
Mboladinga, known for his motionless pose mimicking a statue of Patrice Lumumba, gained widespread attention for his striking attire and unwavering stance at matches, particularly during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. His unique dedication involved adopting a motionless pose on a pedestal for the duration of games, a practice he has maintained since 2013.
Mboladinga's signature look includes a bright red jacket, yellow shirt, and blue trousers, mirroring the colors of the DR Congo flag. His pose is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the newly independent Congo who played a pivotal role in ending Belgian colonial rule in 1960 before his assassination.
"If Lumumba Vea cannot travel, then Lumumba Junior will carry the torch in Atlanta," stated the DR Congo's ambassador to the US. "Michel is the real one but junior is smaller and a bit younger; he’s the Generation Z fan."
Enock Kabwende, who has been trained by Mboladinga to maintain the statue pose for 90 minutes, will step in for the crucial match against England in Atlanta. Kabwende expressed his commitment to continuing the cultural representation, stating, "I want to keep the culture going. [Mboladinga] didn’t come here, but we have to represent our country. Patrice Lumumba represents liberty, strong power, prosperity and freedom in our country."
According to the ambassador, Mboladinga's inability to travel is a result of processing delays for his visa, rather than a ban from entering the United States. The ambassador also conveyed a confident message regarding the team's prospects, adding, "We are beating England. When Congo win, it is going to send a message to the world that DRC is coming of age. The World Cup is strengthening our determination to show to the world the DRC is not just a crisis, not just a disease but a country of people who are extremely resilient."
Mboladinga had previously described himself as a "living statue," noting his rigorous practice regimen. His notable presence at previous tournaments earned him a 4x4 vehicle as a gift from the government.
The winner of the match between England and DR Congo is slated to face Mexico in the last-16 round in Mexico City.