Strikingly,three players with recent ties to Belgian youth national teams have been called up by the Democratic Republic of Congo for upcoming World Cup qualifiers,raising questions about the future allegiances of promising talent with dual eligibility. Midfielders Mario Stroeykens and goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo, along with winger michel-Ange balikwisha, are the latest Belgian-trained players to possibly switch international depiction.
The selections by national coach Sébastien Desabre signal a concerted effort to bolster the Congolese squad with players familiar with European football and potentially unlock new levels of competition. Stroeykens, 20, has progressed through nearly all levels of Belgian youth selections, including twelve appearances for the national U21 team and frequent inclusion in senior team pre-selections. Epolo, also 20, honed his skills at Tubize from the U17 level through the reserves, while Balikwisha, 24, joins his brother William in the Congo setup after representing Belgium at the youth level.
The trio will have the chance to earn their first senior caps when Congo faces Cameroon in world Cup qualifying. Stroeykens currently plays for Anderlecht, Epolo for Standard, and Balikwisha for Celtic. Other players with Belgian club experience already in the Congo squad include Noah Sadiki (ex-Union, now Sunderland), Theo Bongonda (ex-Genk, now Spartak Moscow), Chanceel Mbemba (ex-Anderlecht, now Lille), and Joris Kayembe (Genk).The trend reflects the ancient ties between Belgium and the DRC, and the ongoing competition for talent with dual nationalities.
