Super fans

In Mbandaka, North East Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the vibrations of power generators, the only power source, are as loud as the vuvuselas in South Africa during the Word Cup matches . Not to mention the intense and inconvenient smoke that these generators emit. But for the fans it’s not a problem.   

A first vibration is heard from a generator in the distance, then a second and then a third. The noise gets louder and then it spreads. This racket announces the beginning of a World Cup football match in Mbandaka, capital of the province of Equateur in the North East of the DRC. The games are transmitted thanks to the power produced by hundreds of groups of electric generators. Even if the national team, the Léopards, didn’t qualify every game draws huge crowds to screens where the games are being broadcasted. This ritual has been taking place since June 11 when the competition started. According to the National Electricity Society the city of Mbandaka doesn’t have sufficient access to electricity, so games are watched at the homes of those with a generator. Games are watched on the streets creating a very particular atmosphere. Mixed in with the noise of the generators and the vuvuselas are the comments of these sports fans. As a rule of thumb they cheer for the African teams but also Brazil. Rivalries between Samuel Eto’o supporters and supporters of Didier Drogba sometimes turn violent.

 All this is engulfed by a think smog due to the diesel being burned to power the generators. “Inhabitants and supporters alike complain of a burning sensation in their eyes while the engines are running,” says one witness.

“Continual inhalation of these gases can result in pulmonary illnesses,” warns Judy Molemba, a doctor at the city’s health centre.

Business owners who transformed their gardens into mini stadiums are left with the mess of the spectators. “ Some destroy chairs or hedges. They leave behind their garbage – sugar cane and peanut shells. And that’s without mentioning the smell of urine that is left behind,” complains Lucien. But overall he appreciates the presence of this public that create “a real stadium like atmosphere.”