Tragedy in DR Congo as 20 Players and Fans Drown Returning from Match in Zambia

Twenty players and supporters of DR Congo club side AC Virgin KA drowned on Sunday when their boat capsized after it was hit by a giant wave caused by a passing speedboat on Zambia's Luapala River.

The club, who play in the Congolese lower division, were in Zambia to play against a local team named Senegal, based in the southern African nation's Senga island. 

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has sent his condolences to the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA).

“On behalf of FIFA and in my own name, I am writing to you and the Federation Congolaise de Football-Association to extend my most sincere condolences,” he said in a message to FECOFA President Constant Omari Selemani.

“I would be most grateful if you would pass on the deep sympathy and support of the entire international football family to the families, loved ones and clubs of the deceased at this very difficult time.” 

The Luapala River, which forms a stretch of Africa's second longest river, the Congo, and acts as a natural border between the DRC and Zambia, had already claimed 100 lives this year with two boats capsizing since January. A local official said the drownings are often due to overcrowding on vessels.

It is the second tragedy for DRC soccer supporters in recent weeks following the near-death of Bolton Wanderers' Kinshasa-born midfielder Fabrice Muamba, whose heart stopped beating during an FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur on March 17th. Medics revived Muamba on his way to a  London hospital where he is currently recuperating, though there are fears that he may never play again.

On the field, the national team, known as the Leopards, are vying for their first World Cup berth since 1974 and are on a run of seven games unbeaten as they seek to reach Brazil in 2014.

The country has produced some notable footballers over the years including former Real Madrid and Chelsea defensive midfielder Claude Makelele, Blackpool's Tresor Lomana Lua Lua, former Monaco striker Shabini Nonda and current starlet Tresor Mputu.

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