Tout Puissant Mazembe

Substitution at the 63^rd minutes in front of Horoya: the passing of the armband between Rainford KALABA and Djos ISSAMA is misinterpreted by some, going so far as to say that he would have thrown the armband to show his discontent! Which is false and then some. In a personal statement, the "Maestro" gives all the details about that moment where no minute shall not be lost

« I am very proud to be captain of Tout Puissant Mazembe. This armband which was entrusted me at the beginning of the season, I will carry it and defend it with honor. As a captain, I have a duty to discipline in order to maintain cohesion and understanding within the group. Given my in-house behavior, which has always been impeccable and exemplary, I continue to deserve the confidence of my leaders, coaches, teammates and supporters. After all that is said about the passing of the armband before my substitution in the game that we have against the Guineans last Saturday (8 July), much to my indignation to learn that the facts are deliberately distorted by malicious people »

«We were eliminated, I had to save time »

«I say the following: in the 63^rd minute of play, we are tied with Horoya and therefore eliminated. At this point of the game where no second is to be lost, I do not want to run to the other end of the field to hand over the armband to Djos ISSAMA. I ask to MIKA who is at ten meters to come and get the armband. Seconds are running, a player from Horoya is at my side, I ask him to pass the armband to MICHE, nobody approaches and I balance him the armband – I remind that it was to save time – It takes a bad trajectory while I was to go out. This gesture, I remind it has been misinterpreted in the media and in the midst of our supporters. I inform them all that I will never lack respect for the armband that I wear and the club of which I have commitment to defend the colors on the pitch. » 

Sound understanding.

Rainford KALABA