AS Vita’s fans celebrate Makudubela with new nickname
Democratic Republic of Congo giants AS Vita fans celebrated the signing of South African winger Mahlatse ‘Skudu’ Makudubela with a new nickname. The club announced the signing of the former Yanga star last Friday night.
Interestingly, he becomes the first prominent South African footballer to join a DRC professional club. In Tanzania, the 34-year-old was also the first Mzansi star to feature in the East African country’s top flight league.
Makudubela, nicknamed ‘Waziri wa raha’ in Tanzania – meaning Minister of Joy or Happiness – has earned a new moniker in Kinshasa. The former Marumo Gallants and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker has been christened ‘Bebe Rico’ by his new club’s fans.
“Yet again, I’m presented with an opportunity to play my football in the second-largest country on the continent,” Makudubela told FARPost from his Kinshasa base. “Vita has a lot of supporters, I can’t wait to see how the reception will be when I play my first official game. Every training session, fans are there watching us. They’ve even given me a nickname. They call me Bebe Rico.”
WHAT SKUDU MAKUDUBELA SAID AFTER HIS MOVE TO AS VITA
He added that he was “humbled and excited to embark on this new chapter in my career”.
“This move is particularly special as it follows my pioneering experience in Tanzania, where I was also the first South African to play professionally.
“For me, football is more than just a game; it’s a bridge between cultures. I’ve always embraced the opportunity to experience different leagues, different playing styles, and, most importantly, different communities. The warmth and passion of the Tanzanian football fans will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m eager to build similar connections with the supporters in the DRC.
“I understand the significance of this move and the responsibility that comes with it. And I hope my journey can inspire other South African footballers to explore opportunities across the continent and showcase their talent on a wider stage. I am committed to representing my country and my family with pride and dedication.
“I want to thank my family and everyone who has supported me throughout my career. I’m excited about the challenge that lies ahead, and I can’t wait to contribute to my new team’s success. I’m ready to embrace the Congolese culture and experience everything this beautiful country has to offer, both on and off the pitch.”
WHAT MAKUDUBELA WANTS TO ACHIEVE WITH AS VITA
The skilful winger was assessed by the club last month and impressed coach Youssouph Dabo. The highly rated Senegalese mentor, Dabo, previously coached Azam FC in Tanzania and is well acquainted with Makudubela from their time in Dar es Salaam. In fact, at one point, Azam were pursuing the attacker’s signature.
AS Vita Club have won the Linafoot 15 times. Makudubela vows he wants to leave an indelible mark on DRC football. “This is a big club with massive ambitions. I want to help get AS Vita back where it belongs, at the top of DRC football and dominating on the continent,” added the former Young Africans winger.
After 12 matches, Vita Club are at the top of Group B of the Linafoot standings. They have won six, drew four and lost two. At the end of the season, six teams from Group A and six from Group B will clash to decide the DRC champion. Last season, Vita finished fifth.
The Black Dolphins, founded in 1935, play their home games at the 50,000 seater Stade Tata Raphaël in Kinshasa. The club’s fans will have to wait a little longer before they watch ‘Bebe Rico’ in an official match as the league is currently on a break. The league paused to allow the CHAN competition, which has since moved to August.
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