TP Mazembe have congratulated their sworn enemies AS Vita for dethroning them and being crowned the DRC Linafoot champions for a record-extending 23rd time.
The five time champions finished the league campaign as runners-up to AS Vita who reclaimed the title they last won in 2015 as the two giants continued to take turns between themselves to lift the league title.
The Linafoot title race was concluded on Thursday when Vita beat AS Dragons Bilima 1-0 in the Kinshasa derby to seal the title with three points ahead of their arch-rivals.
“TP Mazembe salutes the Vita Club's coronation and congratulates it,” TP Mazembe general manager Frederic Kitenge Kukumba Tweeted.
“We did it in Lubumbashi by organising a friendly reception for the staff and the leaders of the Black Dolphins (AS Vita). Bravo to (DCMP) Daring Club Motema Pembe for its African (Confederation Cup) place race.”
Despite ending the season as runners-up, TP Mazembe will play in next season’s Caf Champions League together with AS Vita.
Motema Pembe edged closer to a Confederation Cup place and could wrap-up a third place finish if they fully utilise their game in hand advantage.
Meanwhile, Saudi side Al Nassr have accepted a deal for DRC international striker Junior Kabananga to be loaned to Kazakhstani outfit FC Astana.
Kabananga had to be dropped from Al Nassr’s travelling party to Switzerland for a pre-season training camp.
“Congolese international footballer, Junior Kabananga Kalonji, is on loan to Kazakhstani football club, FC Astana. Good luck Kabananga,” Al Nassr announced on Twitter.
Astana are Kabananga’s former club.
