TP Mazembe shore up defence with Nigerien Djibo Zataou

With the DR Congo’s domestic league now two weeks old, it appears former CAF Champions League winner TP Mazembe are not yet done on the market.

Lamine Ndiaye’s side has signed Nigerien defender Adamou Ibrahim Djibo Zataou on a two-year contract with an option of extension by a year.

In a statement, Mazembe say they concluded the transfer of the 27-year-old earlier in October, but the player was then not ready to arrive in Congo as he was finalising personal issues.

“The player had signed at the beginning of October, but his arrival in Lubumbashi was delayed by his participation with Niger in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and some family matters to resolve in his home country. Now in Lubumbashi, Adamou Ibrahim Djibo Zataou has joined the team and begun training sessions with his new teammates.”

What attributes does Zataou bring to TP Mazembe?

Mazembe then highlighted the attributes the ‘modern’ defender would bring to the Lubumbashi-based side. He was capped 14 times and had a stint with Moldovan top-flight league team, FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2024-2025 season.

“A modern defender, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively, he represents a valuable addition to the coaching staff,” the statement reads.

This transfer window alone, the Ravens have recruited players such as highly-rated Cameroonian attacking player Patient Wassou Gouegoue.

Mazembe are seeking a return to their glory days when they used to dominate the Linafoot Ligue 1 and continental football, winning five CAF Champions League titles on separate occasions.

Ndiaye’s men finished in fifth place of Ligue1 last season hence could not take part in continental assignments. This season, Mazembe started with a 3-1 victory over CS Manika.