Tout Puissant Mazembe

With TPM as well as with the Leopards the past season was just intense for Deo KANDA. With the Ravens, the young striker reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with a defeat in Tunis where two years before he won the title of this prestigious African competition. Aged 23; for this Congolese international task varied: between playgrounds and benches with Lamine on the bench, is not far from being an innkeeper for Claude among its 11, KANDA is comfortable between his two worlds.

From South Africa, where he is camping with the Leopards for the preparation of the CAN 2013, the striker discusses his recent season with Mazembe, his future and his dream to play its first African Cup of Nations where he wishes to exemplify himself to better negotiate the upcoming international games that his TP Mazembe expects and qualification to the Brazil Mundial 2014 with the DRC.

"Knowing to accept coaches’ decisions ..."

What comments do you make for your performance in 2012?

My performance in 2012 was not so convincing, but I remain convinced that the season was exceptional. I had a sharp increase compared to 2011 on the playing time. In selection and in TPM, I lost the status of substitute everything went very quickly and I am proud of this performance...

Regular player or not, what fits you the best?

Waxing bench at TPM, I was disturbed but I could not, at any moment; blame the coach. My status was a reality to accept and I always accept his decision. With the national team, I live in another world because I'm usually permanent player. Throughout the 2011-2012 season, I shared both worlds and my conclusion is this: a professional should simply trust the coach who decides based on the balance team tactics. Adapt to all circumstances is the only key to success.

"In 2013, we will have a more technical team"

What is your analysis regarding the Champions League?

We missed a great opportunity yet we had in this season a team of good quality. But sometimes football is just like that. Against Esperance we did not play in our best level, even if I remain convinced that we deserved better, it is just a matter of being lucky.  Let’s have a look at the first leg match in Lubumbashi, we had about 20 shots on target, a dozen chances, but the ball never entered. In such situation, I do not know what to say. And the second leg in Tunis, we did selfless for 90 minutes. There are days when you can do whatever you want but without any success. Shame!

Let’s put aside the misfortune factor didn’t the physical or tactics factors play against you?

Some matches were held as planned, some not. The elimination in semi-final does not reflect the quality of the game that we produced during the competition. A team that had only one point after two matches in the quarter-finals, semi-finals qualification was a prowess. On the competition, we always scored though outside the country except in Accra and Tunis, and the two results of these matches did everything switch. The team had done its best when there is no success; there is no need to look further. This causes no disappointment to me even if I wished to go to Japan for another adventure after the Abu Dhabi 2010.

In 2013 Mazembe is excepting major challenges, what do you think?

I think we are going to have a different team with recruits who are better technicians. So our game will change and we will try to have more animation in the offensive phase. For now, with Gladson AWAKO, and ADJEI KASONGO, we hope they will quickly adapt in midfield and defense. Champions League 2013 and Linafoot are new challenges. There will also be for the Leopards playoffs World Cup Brazil 2014. A great marathon is ahead.

Are you happy with the Linafoot Trophy?

We are proud to have won the Linafoot trophy even without playing V. Club in the second leg. We were ready, but the opponent fled. Throughout the season, even on difficult pitches, a narrow victory was needed. Congratulations to leaders and many thanks to fans for their support.

"CAN 2013: restoring an honorable place for DRC"

From 2006 to 2013, DRC was absent, what does this participation inspire you?

I would be very proud to play my first CAN. Yesterday it was a dream, now it is a reality to come very soon. I do not think we will go to South Africa just to show our presence, but to conquer the place that the Congolese soccer had in the past at the continental level.

Ghana, Mali and Niger, opponents at your fingertips?

A very difficult group not only for the DRC but also for our opponents. We will not go there as expiatory victims to play nations who played the last CAN. When we qualify over a quarter-finalist, Equatorial Guinea, this is a warning toward Ghana, Mali and Niger. We shall play without complex.

What do you say to Claude LEROY and what are your relationships?

We should not rely on a fate instead let’s work out to earn a place in the first team, and then rely on our efforts to succeed in this CAN. With this speech, I think we have a lot of chances to get to the end. I'm comfortable with him because I have his confidence. It is on my side to take advantage of it and bring RDC at a high level, but it will not be easy.

Amongst players in DRC and those outside the country, on who LEROY relies?

I have no answer, only the coach knows. It is his job. I wish he gives the chance to locals and professionals who deserve it.

Some Contacts with Rennes, Lille, Genk...

This is the news in this period; does Deo Kanda have his mind in TPM?

I am a player of TPM and for the moment I intend to continue my career in this club which gives me a lot of emotions.

Don’t you have contacts outside the country?

I have contacts in L1 française, there are advanced talks with Rennes, Lille also who wants me there. In Belgium, it is Genk.  Currently I am busy preparing the CAN and will be discussing later with my leaders. Personally, I would like to play in Europe, to know professional football but there is no guarantee to any departure. I am still under contract with Mazembe. There is a condition before you go:  I must grow up in terms of the tactical level before facing professional football.

At the family level, Deo Kanda has a new status since November 24, 2012, the striker got marriage to Fortunat MAYALA. Congrats Deo!