Ariza Makukula has positioned himself as a potential key figure in DR Congo preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Portugal, as he also emerges as a candidate in upcoming football federation elections.
With the Leopards set to face Portugal in what is being described as one of the most important matches in the country’s football history, developments off the pitch may offer an added dimension to their preparations.
Elections within the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) are scheduled for May 20, and Makukula is among those seeking to play a leading role in shaping the future of the sport in the country.
The former striker, who holds Portuguese sporting nationality but is of Congolese origin, believes his experience could provide valuable insight ahead of the high-profile encounter.
Having spent much of his career in Portugal and represented the country at international level, he argues that his understanding of the team could benefit DR Congo.
“What Congolese can claim to know Portugal better than me? Who knows the Portuguese dressing room better than me here in Congo?” , says the man nicknamed Azmak, a former Portuguese international of Congolese origin.
Makukula’s confidence stems from his extensive experience within Portuguese football.
During his playing career, he featured in the Primeira Liga for clubs including Marítimo, Benfica and Vitória de Setúbal.
Across three seasons in the top division, he made 26 appearances and scored nine goals, before continuing his career largely outside Portugal.
Despite his Congolese roots, Makukula was unable to represent DR Congo at senior international level.
At the time, FIFA regulations introduced in 2005 required players to switch national team allegiance before the age of 21 and before earning a senior cap.
Having already exceeded that age threshold at 23, he was prevented from making the change, a rule that was later abolished in 2009.
Now seeking to contribute in a different capacity, Makukula is aiming to bring his experience into football administration.
His candidacy in the FECOFA elections reflects his ambition to help professionalise the governance of the game in DR Congo.
The timing of his emergence is notable, coming just months before the anticipated World Cup fixture against Portugal.
While no official role has yet been confirmed, his knowledge of Portuguese football has been highlighted as a potential advantage for the Leopards as they prepare for the encounter.
For DR Congo, the focus remains firmly on delivering a strong performance on the global stage.
However, with figures like Makukula offering both administrative ambition and technical insight, there is a growing sense that off-field developments could also influence their readiness for one of the biggest matches in their football history.
