The As Maniema team will be finishing up their stay in Lushois with another trip to the Frederic Kibasa Maliba stadium, their second in four days on Thursday, May 22, 2025. They will be facing off against As Simba de Kolwezi for their ninth match in the playoffs. The unionists are working hard to make a good impression in the face of tough competition that will require top-notch tactics to ensure a smooth landing in this first phase, where they are currently leading the pack for African spots.
Coach Papy Kimoto, who has been away from his home turf of Kindu for these playoffs, is confident in his team’s ability to rise above the challenges and is leaving no stone unturned to secure victory. He believes that they must rely on themselves to achieve a flawless record in the remaining matches and aims to leave with the maximum points to stay ahead of the competition. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming matches, Kimoto is aware of the tough road ahead, stating, “These matches are complicated for us! The contenders and pretenders will face off, so there will be points lost.”
The intensity of the matches played by Kimoto’s men has been extraordinary in the early stages of the playoffs. They have been able to deliver high-quality performances one after the other, showing exceptional skill and determination. However, managing the team’s workload and squad depth has proven challenging at times, as seen in their recent loss to Mazembe in Kinshasa. Kimoto acknowledges the toll that the frequent matches have taken on his players, noting, “Players are not machines. Since the start of the playoffs, we have been playing every three days without rest, and it shows. At the end of the match against Tanganyka, we were exhausted.” He gave the players two days off to recuperate, emphasizing the importance of physical recovery in maintaining a competitive edge.
