Amid the big games over the festive period, Congolese football stars may well have their minds focussed on events back home.
People in the vast country of the Democratic Republic of Congo are voting in crucial polls to replace 47-year-old President Joseph Kabila two days before Christmas.
When the Desert Becomes a Weapon
In the six decades since independence it has not had a peaceful transfer of power and 20 years ago what became known as Africa’s World War was fought on Congolese soil. Insecurity and rebel groups still plague areas of the country.
“I feel sad not only because of the war, but the general situation in Congo. It’s so sad to have a rich country and the people there being so poor. It’s not normal,” says Christian Kabasele, a defender with English Premier League side Watford.
