Rainier Plahar


Who are they? Tout Puissant Mazembe
Where are they from? Lumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
How did they qualify? As 2009 African Champions League Winners

Tout Puissant Mazembe, better known as TP Mazembe is one of the most esteemed teams in African club football history. Ironically, the Congolese outfit is not as widely known on the continent compared to some equally prestigious teams from North and West Africa. TP Mazembe was established in 1939 by Benedictine Monks in Lubumbashi. The club was set up primarily to branch out into sports activities for students in the Holy Institute Boniface of Élisabethville who did not commit themselves to priesthood.

The club announced themselves in the late 1960s with a five-year period between 1965 and 1970 which saw the team from Lubumbashi win a succession of trophies. First, the domestic treble in 1966. Then they became the first side ever to win and retain the African Cup of Champions in 1967 and 1968. Two further second place finishes in 1969 and 1970 also made them the first team to appear in four consecutive finals.

Expectations

No club from Africa has won the Club World Cup and TP Mazemebe would undoubtedly love to change that. However, the club’s management and players will not be naïve enough to think anything less than a winners medal is a failure. In fact their players will doubtless use this opportunity to showcase their talents for a potential transfer to Europe. Team captain Tresor Mputu for instance has long stated his desire to play in Europe. He knows a good display in the Emirates will enhance his chances. With the financial rewards from the tournament as well as the exposure TP Mazembe will be content with a semi-final berth. A third place finish would be considered successful.

Key Players

Tresor Mputu – Striker: Mputu is easily the best player TP Mazembe possess. The striker, who will turn 24 during the tournament, netted seven times in his side’s conquest of Africa. One of the continent’s highest paid players, with a reported salary of $10,000, the Congolese international will be looking to bang in the goals to boost his chances of playing in Europe. Mputu brings more than goals to the team though, he is the on field leader and hugely inspirational to his fellow team-mates. Much of how Mazembe perform will be down to his form.

Robert Mutebe Kidiaba – Goalkeeper: The 33-year-old was phenomenal in the Champions League final against Heartlands FC. During the away game in Nigeria, Kidiaba pulled off at least four key saves that ensured Mazembe conceded only twice. The Keeper’s experience will be handy against unknown opposition in the UAE, and he was a member of the DR Congo side that contested the African Nations Cup in Tunisia 2004.

Sinuguluma Given – Striker:  Expected to partner Tresor Mputu upfront for Mazembe, the 24 year-old burst to prominence on the continent after finishing amongst the top scorers in the 2009 African Nations Championship which was won by DR Congo. Given was signed after his former club Bay United released him from his contract and will add grit and pace to the Mazembe attack.

Coach

Diego Garzitto: The Frenchman, born in Lestizza, Italy, was hired by owner Moise Katumbi as part of a $5M project to conquer Africa. With that objective already achieved, the 59-year-old is looking to further cement his name in the club’s history books. Garzitto has nearly three decades of coaching experience. He began his with French Ligue 2 side Louhans-C, the same club where he spent most of his playing days as a defensive midfielder. The coach is fairly experienced in African football, having bossed the national sides in both Togo and Ethiopia. Garzitto is very popular amongst Ethiopian football fans for guiding their youth team to its first ever World Youth Championship final. However, the Champions League win with Mazembe remains his greatest achievement yet.

Prediction

TP Mazembe are in good form currently, and they have an ‘Abramovich-esque’ owner in Moise Katumbi, who is sparing no expense in making his beloved club reach new heights. Katumbi, who is the governor of the mineral rich Katanga province, is determined the club should repeat the success they enjoyed in the 1960s. Led by the prolific Tresor Mputu, Mazembe are in peak form, do not have much to lose, and a semi-final place seems likely. From there, who knows?

Club World Cup Coverage: