Kinshasa, July 5, 2025 – A storm is brewing in the DR Congo women’s national team camp. Just hours before their highly anticipated debut in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Senegal, the Léopards Dames have taken a bold stand: they’ve gone on strike and are threatening to boycott Sunday’s match. The reason? Unpaid bonuses for 12 matches, totaling over $27,000 USD.
⚠️ A National Disgrace on the Continental Stage
At a time when the nation should be rallying behind its women’s team, ready to make history at this continental tournament, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) finds itself in the eye of the storm. How can a country send its players to represent the flag without even fulfilling the most basic commitment — paying their dues?
Bonuses, a sign of recognition and respect, have been left unpaid for over a year, according to sources close to the squad. A cocktail of broken promises, delayed payments, and empty reassurances has pushed the players to the edge.
💬 “We Are Not Disposable Tools”
Inside sources report that the $27,000 represents unpaid bonuses for 12 matches, some played over a year ago. “We are not tools you pull out of a box the day before a tournament,” one player stated anonymously. “We want to play — but not at any cost.”
The team’s frustration runs deep, and this strike sends a clear message: dignity is not negotiable.
🇨🇩 What If This Were the Men’s Team?
It’s a shocking question, but one that must be asked: Would the same thing happen to the men’s national team? In the past, payment delays for the men’s squad have often been resolved quickly under media pressure. But for the women, it’s always wait, be quiet, and be grateful.
This incident highlights a glaring gender bias in how football is managed in DR Congo — and across much of Africa.
🔥 A Boycott to Be Heard
Unless a solution is reached before Sunday, the DR Congo women’s team will not step onto the pitch against Senegal. That would be a disaster for the tournament — but also a wake-up call for DR Congo. This is no longer just about football; it’s about justice, respect, and equality.
✊🏽 The 2024 WAFCON Is Off to a Chaotic Start — But It Could Be a Turning Point
This scandal could go down in history — not just as a national embarrassment, but as a pivotal moment in the fight for equal treatment. This isn’t only about $27,000; it’s about demanding fairness for women in sport. Across Africa, eyes are watching.
If the Léopards Dames choose not to play tomorrow, it won’t be a defeat. It will be a defiant cry for justice.
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