Tout Puissant Mazembe

Felix STOPPILA SUNZU. He played the friendly match TPM against Don Bosco. Lightly touched, he got a rest. An opportunity to take a breather. Also in the stands, his dad, former guardian of TPM. The SUNZUS: the father and the son worked with the Chairman KATUMBI on the future of solid central defender. We approach him trying to learn more.  

SUNZU what does inspire you for the 2012 season as you have been acclaimed among the three tops of the continent?

It is a great honor to be part of the best in Africa. I'm not too surprised to be nominated; I'd say that's a bonus after a brilliant season and in a club selection. In January I won the CAN with my Zambia and in November the Linafoot with my Mazembe. And perhaps individual trophy in December 2012, what a season ..., I will still remember!

How do you see your chances on 20 December in Accra?

I am confident because Abu-TREIKA and  KALABA  are serious clients- set I hope the jury will make  a good choice. Podium is a good thing. For the rest, I cross my fingers. My managers and teammates think I am lucky.

You've done an exceptional course this year and you've attracted the sympathy of all, what was your secret?

I have always been hard working. Good tempo of preparation in TPM has kept me physically healthy at the right level since 2011. Actually, I had very competent coaches and Mazembe teammates and in national team very supportive in the game I also maintained a healthy lifestyle, it put me in good conditions. Already earlier this year, I realized that it requires personality   and discipline throughout the season.

The finalists were not superior to us ...

The CAF Champions League has escaped you, are you disappointed?

Yes, but not too much, that's football. Dramatizing would   question all my performances. When you accept, it is easy to start on a new basis. Already compete in the semi-finals is a great achievement especially Mazembe. Defeat in Cairo against Al Ahly then draw game with Berekum in Lubumbashi, this catastrophic start was quickly corrected by motivated players and technical staff. Were able to respond. With Esperance we were not lucky. Honestly, I think technically the two finalists were not superior to us. In any case, congratulations to the winners Al Ahly for his seventh title.

What are the chances for Zambia, CAN 2013

Zambia has got a team, so a team means the participation of all during the game. For us, each player brings the best of himself, and together we win. Nothing has changed since last January, Hervé Renard has kept the same pace and our chances are intact. Retain the title is not impossible because we don’t minimize any opponent.

Under contract until 2015

In TPM your contract runs until when?

I am in contract with Mazembe until 2015, SUNZU is still there…

Some media have reported that there are English and French clubs who want to get hire you. What is it?

It makes sense to talk of SUNZU  everywhere. I scored points with Zambia and Mazembe had a consecration which attracts European clubs. However, I am fighting so that  all these should  not attract me trouble, and do not hamper my preparation for the CAN.

Are you ready to depart or you stay in Lubumbashi?

It is difficult to leave Mazembe in the emotion of winning and a good individual progression. The club that wants me should have discussions with the leaders of  TPM, and if they  agree I will leave. Otherwise, I will stay until the end of my contract in 2015 ...

Thank SUNZU

I should be the one to say thank you. Because once again, our website is featuring me, it's great.

Information got  from the club's management, TPM actually has  in hand proposals to transfer Sunzu. Two of them come from English Premier League clubs with a financial interest, but deemed insufficient by the Chairman. Especially as all leading clubs are also likely to show interest in the coming days ...