Democratic Republic of Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has travelled to Switzerland to assess Wensley Boteli as the Leopards step up their efforts to persuade the young striker to represent the country.
Desabre watched Boteli in action for FC Sion during their match against Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, with the DRC keen to bring the Swiss-born forward into their national-team setup.
The visit came as part of a wider recruitment drive aimed at attracting young players based in Europe who could strengthen the Leopards in future international competitions.
Boteli gave Desabre plenty to consider despite Sion’s 5-3 defeat. The striker scored a hat-trick, producing a performance that underlined the qualities that have attracted interest from several European clubs.
The 2006-born forward has already made 47 appearances for FC Sion and has scored 20 goals for the club.
His physical strength, movement and ability to finish in the penalty area are among the characteristics that have made him an attractive target for the DRC.
Desabre’s decision to travel to watch the player represents a significant step in the country’s efforts to establish a relationship with Boteli and understand his intentions at international level.
The DRC now hopes to take that process further in September.
According to the information provided by Blick, the country’s Sports Minister is considering inviting Boteli and members of his entourage to the Democratic Republic of Congo during the September international window.
The proposed visit would give the player and his representatives an opportunity to see the country’s facilities and learn more about the plans for the Leopards.
For the Congolese authorities, the objective is not simply to persuade Boteli through conversation but to give him a clearer picture of what representing the DRC could offer.
The recruitment effort comes as the national team seeks to build for the future by identifying young players with international potential.
Boteli was born in Switzerland in 2006, meaning his development has taken place within the European football system. His progress at FC Sion has now made him a player the DRC would like to add to its national-team plans.
His latest performance against Ajax will only strengthen the interest surrounding him.
Although FC Sion conceded five goals, Boteli’s three-goal contribution ensured that he remained one of the most prominent players on the pitch.
For Desabre, the trip to watch him first-hand also provided an opportunity to evaluate the striker beyond his statistics.
The DRC are particularly interested in young dual-national players who are developing in Europe. The strategy is intended to provide the Leopards with a stronger pool of players as they prepare for major international competitions.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup are among the tournaments identified as part of that long-term planning.
Boteli’s recruitment would therefore fit into a broader attempt by the DRC to refresh its squad and improve its options for the future.
The September camp could become an important moment in the process if the planned invitation goes ahead.
The Congolese authorities want Boteli and his associates to visit the country, see the facilities and receive a presentation on the Leopards’ project.
That would give the DRC an opportunity to make its case directly to the striker as it competes for his international allegiance.
Boteli’s performances for FC Sion have already given the Leopards reason to be interested. His 20 goals in 47 appearances demonstrate his attacking contribution, while his hat-trick against Ajax showed his ability to make a decisive impact against strong opposition.
