This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
Published on October 21, 2019, Motema Pembe, a Congolese football club, has issued a stern warning to its players and technical bench against engaging in witchcraft ahead of their continental showdown with Gor Mahia in Nairobi.
The warning comes after the club's president, Vidiye Tshimanga, 'fired' individuals he believes have been practicing witchcraft at the club.
Tshimanga's warning follows a string of disappointing results, including a 1-1 draw against Saint-Éloi Lupopo in a league match and a loss to Jeunesse Sportive Groupe Bazano in another league match.
"Dear friends, know that I am very unhappy tonight," Tshimenga is reported to have told Motema Pembe staff in the dressing room. "I have seen everything. (If you) dream, I tell you 'dream'. (I) never again (want) these kinds of practice here at Motema Pembe. Your fetishes, do it yourself. I only win with God and no one else."
Tshimenga's warning is a clear indication of the club's desire to win without any external influence. The match against Gor Mahia will mark the first time Motema Pembe will be visiting Kenya in over two and a half decades. In their last visit in 1994, they defeated a star-studded Kenya Breweries 3-0, winning the Africa Cup Winners Cup (Mandela Cup) with a 5-2 aggregate score. The winner of the Gor Mahia and Motema Pembe game will qualify for the group stage of the Confederation Cup, with a prize money of Sh27 million at stake. The tournament's winner will pocket Sh150 million.
