DR Congo’s Iconic ‘Lumumba’ Superfan Returns To Rally The Leopards After Ebola Quarantine

The atmosphere at Estadio Akron carried an added sense of emotion on Tuesday evening as one of African football’s most recognisable supporters finally took his place in the stands. Michel Kuka Mboladinga — popularly known as ‘Lumumba Vea’ — had returned.
The legendary DR Congo superfan had spent 21 days in quarantine after health authorities imposed precautionary measures linked to Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His clearance allowed him to rejoin the Leopards during their World Cup campaign.
Mboladinga had been notably absent from DR Congo’s opening Group K match against Portugal, which ended in a surprise 1-1 draw. His absence was felt by many supporters, who r...