TP Mazembe boost Linafoot title bid with double signing

TP Mazembe have boosted their Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Linafoot Ligue 1 title bid by signing two players on two-year contracts.

In a statement issued on Friday, 1 May 2026, the Lubumbashi-based football powerhouse confirmed the signings of striker Chadrack Bingi Belo and midfielder Apidja Ilume Mbongo.

#Ligue1PlayOffs #ClassicoRDC
🏆 Ligue 1 – Play-Offs / Aller
📝 1ère Journée
🆚 @ASVitaOfficial DR Congo to warm up for World Cup with Denmark
📆 Vendredi, 1er mai 2026
🕒 13:00 TU, 15:00 Lubumbashi
🏟 @TBadiangwenas
🌍 Lubumbashi – RDC pic.twitter.com/fjsZ24kgOL

— TP Mazembe (@TPMazembe) April 30, 2026

“TP Mazembe is pleased to announce to all its supporters the signing of midfielder Apidja Ilume Mbongo, nicknamed Sissoko. The former Simba de Kolwezi player, who came up through the ranks at OC Idimo, is now a Raven,” the statement reads.

“TP Mazembe is pleased to announce to all its supporters the signing of striker Chadrack Bingi Belo. Formerly a centre-forward for DCMP and trained at AC Kratos, the player has signed for the Ravens for two seasons plus an additional two months.”

Qualities of TP Mazembe new recruits Mbongo and Belo

The Ravens have since explained why they signed the 19-year-old Belo, describing him as “young, ambitious, and possessing a true goalscoring instinct. His profile perfectly matches the club’s attacking DNA.”

On the other hand, Slimane Raho’s side also lauded the qualities of Mbongo, saying he is a solid, hardworking player.

“He will bolster the Ravens’ midfield with his physical presence, tactical discipline, and ball-winning ability. His arrival reflects the club’s desire to strengthen its midfield with players capable of dictating the tempo and maintaining the team’s balance,” the statement adds.

The Black and White unveiled the new arrivals on the very day they are set to line up against Kinshasa rivals AS Vita Club in a Linafoot Ligue 1 play-off. Kick-off is at 3:00PM CAT.