Matthieu Epolo was preselected by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The standard goalkeeper could therefore become a leopard, and we can only encourage him on this path.
The subject of binationals ignites passions in recent years in Belgium. Many Belgian talents have opted for Morocco, such as Bilal El Khannouss, Zakaria El Ouahdi or Chemsdine Talbi. The case of Konstantinos Kareretsa was probably the most difficult to accept for the Belgian Union as for the general public.
And then, there are the many Belgian-Congolese who, for a long time now, regularly opt for the Democratic Republic of Congo rather than a Belgium where competition is tough. His choice made little speak at the time, but in view of his trajectory, there is a good chance that the federation regrets for example the choice of Noah Sadiki.
Epolo must strengthen the Congo
But who says multiple nationality, does not say that we should try to convince and keep players who obviously have everything to be won to opt for their roots or those of their parents. This is clearly the case of Matthieu Epolo, preselected by the DRC.
The Standard goalkeeper is not yet officially International Congolese, however. At 20, he could play the card of patience: after all, as a Belgian international U21, he is probably not so far from a day being called to train with team A, like others before him.
But he must also remain lucid. If his margin of progression is real, Epolo is currently behind young talents like Senne Lammens and Mike Penders, who will themselves have to fight to make a place in the sun as long as courtes and salts will be there – and it can still last. Nordin Jackers, too, will be a candidate the day he is indisputable in Bruges. Not to mention even future nuggets like Lucca Brughmans, which everyone expects to explode earlier than late.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Epolo may well be holder, compete in a World Cup (the leopards are leading their qualifying group) and this within an increasingly competitive team. Standard, for its part, would certainly be shared: losing a goalkeeper for the CAN is painful, but the value of Matthieu Epolo could increase if it shines (or better, if it shines in the World Cup) …
