DR Congo have received a major boost with Ezechiel Banzuzi committing his international future to the Leopards, while Junior Kadile and Noah Mbamba are also expected to apply for Congolese passports.
The 21-year-old midfielder confirmed his decision in a post on his official Instagram account. He shared a montage of himself wearing a DR Congo shirt, pointing to the badge of the Federation Congolaise de Football Association (Fecofa).
The caption read: “Mwana Mboka (the child of the country) +243”.
Banzuzi had previously been seen at the Congolese embassy in Belgium while completing the process linked to obtaining his passport. The midfielder, who represented the Netherlands from Under-17 level through to the Under-21s, has now opted to end his association with Dutch international football.
His most recent appearance for the Netherlands Under-21s came at the end of March. He started their entire European Under-21 Championship qualifying match against Norway and provided an assist, but remained an unused substitute in the subsequent friendly against Belgium.
Born in Zwijndrecht, Banzuzi came through the academy at NAC Breda before moving to Leuven. He joined Leipzig in July 2025 and made 28 appearances last season, including four starts, scoring twice and providing one assist.
He has begun the current campaign as a regular starter. Last weekend, he made his third appearance in three matches in all competitions, starting each game and recording one goal and one assist.
Banzuzi could now be called up for DR Congo’s next international camp and their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures. He is also in line for a possible Champions League debut away to Como on Thursday.
Kadile, Mbamba and Mokio pursuing switch
Junior Kadile, Noah Mbamba and Jorthy Mokio are expected to follow Banzuzi in seeking to represent the Leopards. According to Leopardsfoot, all three have visited the Congolese embassy in Brussels to begin the process of obtaining their passports.
Kadile, 23, has previously played for France at Under-16 and Under-17 level. He developed at Stade Rennais before spells with Famalicao, Stade Lavallois and Almere City.
He joined Servette before moving to RC Lens on loan this summer for the remainder of the season. Kadile finished his time with the Swiss club having played 13 matches, scoring six goals and supplying 10 assists.
Mbamba, meanwhile, is set to close the door on Belgium. The 21-year-old midfielder was promoted to Belgium’s Under-21 squad two years ago and joined FC Lorient on loan from Bayer Leverkusen at the beginning of August.
It is the third successive season in which Mbamba has been loaned out by the German club, following previous spells at Dusseldorf and Dender. The 1.96m midfielder was developed by Genk and Club Brugge and has already made two appearances for Lorient, starting one of them.
Mokio’s intention to represent DR Congo has been known for some time. However, under the current circumstances, he may not be eligible to play for the Leopards until 2028 unless an appeal is accepted by the relevant authorities.
Boteli remains committed to Switzerland
Winsley Boteli, however, intends to continue with Switzerland despite strong interest from DR Congo officials and approaches from Leopards manager Sebastien Desabre.
That is according to Le Nouvelliste, which reports that the 20-year-old midfielder, who plays for FC Sion, has chosen to maintain his current international path.
DR Congo have not abandoned their efforts to persuade him. Blick reports that officials wanted to invite Boteli and his family to Kinshasa during the next international break, where they would present the project being developed around the Leopards.