Congo’s Maniema outline local, CAF Champions League ambitions

Congolese football giants AS Maniema Union have outlined their strategy for the forthcoming 2025 Linafoot and CAF Champions League assignments.

The Kindu club resumed training last Wednesday at the Kurara Mpova Technical Centre in Kinkole to psyche up for the long season ahead.

A statement from the club says their goal is to win the local league title and compete strongly in the Champions League.

Maniema have a relatively new team having released most players and retained 13 from the previous squad while recruiting nine new arrivals.

Head coach Papy Kimoto, has since outlined three steps he will take to get his squad in shape for the next campaign.

The coach said the first step involves physical reconditioning from now until August 20, 2025 before switching to the second phase.

The next phase includes participation in a pre-season international tournament in Namibia organised by the country’s league champions African Stars FC.

“Third stage: the final tactical adjustment, upon the return of the tournament, before the official start of the competitions,” the statement reads.

“Goal: A competitive team ready to defend the Maniema Union colours, both at the national and continental level.”

Maniema have lost many players, including Jephté Kitambala who has signed for AZAM FC in Tanzania.

The Linafoot league giants also sold striker Rodrigue Kitwa, defender Ordy Simete, midfielder Jonathan Kanu and striker Rachidi Musinga to the Asian nation.

Maniema crashed out of the last Champions League group stages after losing to Mamelodi Sundowns who went all the way to the final.