 Englishman Mick Wadworth is the manager of the side |
Financial problems have hampered the DR Congo's preparations for this month's Nations Cup finals in Tunisia. The Simbas have been training in the Egyptian capital Cairo for the last two weeks.
But a lack of financial support meant that the team was unable to pay for decent hotel accomodation in Cairo or afford the rental costs of training pitches.
Some of the DR Congo players threatened to depart the Cairo camp, which costs $25 per room, because they are unhappy with the poor standard of the accomodation provided.
The lack of funds have also forced the Congolese to abandon their plans for a subsequent training camp in Portugal, following their friendly against Egypt next Wednesday.
The 1974 Nations Cup champions would have been forced to abandon the country but for the intervention of the Egyptian FA (EFA).
Hany Abo Reda, EFA treasurer, said he is making part payment for their accomodation in a five-star hotel because DR Congo officials are expecting a delayed money transfer from home.
The Simbas have played two friendly matches against second division Cairo-based clubs during their stay.
Drawn in group A with Rwanda and hosts Tunisia, DR Congo's opening Nations Cup match will be against Guinea on 25 January at the El Menzah stadium in Tunis.
MMIX
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