By Murdo Todd
With the 2025 IMMAF Africa Championships fast approaching, Team Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is finalising preparations for what promises to be another strong showing on the continental stage.
Hoping to build on their strong showing at the 2024 Africa Championships, where they secured five medals (2x gold, 1x silver, 2x bronze), Team DRC returns with a deep and ambitious squad, ready to make a statement in Luanda, Angola.
Among the standout names is Jeremie Likobele, the reigning lightweight Africa Champion. The 22-year-old made headlines with a sensational five-second knockout over Angola’s William Bombo to secure his gold medal. With a 7–1 amateur record, Likobele is definitely one to watch.
Joining him is Josue Eli Wawina, one of the most exciting young prospects in African MMA. At just 18 years old, Wawina has already claimed back-to-back golds at the Africa Championships. He returns to defend his super welterweight title, alongside teammate Isaac Loleko, who will compete in the same division.
Also returning is Ken Saleh, who captured bronze in the junior lightweight division last year. Now stepping into the senior super lightweight category, Saleh will be tested by a highly competitive field, including past medalists such as Cameroon’s Alex Junior Jamgang.
Team DRC’s squad also features several undefeated rising talents, including Japhet Lumpungu, Abel Masangu, and Magloire Kayembe, all names that could easily break out during this year’s tournament.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s full squad for the 2025 IMMAF Africa Championships is as follows:
- Tardeli Mubengay
- Abel Masangu
- Josue Eli Wawina
- Isaac Loleko
- Jonathan Kalumba
- Jeremie Kisaka
- Magloire Kayembe
- Samuel Maba
- Jacques Mbuyi
- Haroon Luimbo
- Erick Tshimanga
- Jeremie Likobele
- Ken Saleh
- Horeb Tshimbalanga
- Japhet Lumpungu
- Augry Diwete
- Magloire Mutabi
- Norbert Ilunga
