The Democratic Republic of Congo national team visited the Houston Rockets’ training facility while based in the city for the FIFA World Cup, where veteran center Clint Capela greeted the Leopards. The visit came days after DR Congo’s 1-1 draw with Portugal and three days before their Group K meeting with Colombia.
Capela, whose mother is from the Democratic Republic of Congo, led the squad on a tour of the Rockets’ facilities and spent time on the court with the players. A video shared from the event showed the 6-foot-10 center take on Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki in a one-on-one sequence before driving and finishing with a dunk, drawing laughter and reactions from those gathered.
Afterward Capela posted on social media expressing his pleasure at hosting the team and urging the Leopards to continue representing the country with pride, calling the visit inspiring and memorable.
Born in Geneva to an Angolan father and a Congolese mother, Capela represents Switzerland internationally but has long promoted his African roots. He has participated in NBA Africa initiatives, including the NBA Africa Game and Basketball Without Borders camps, and has supported development pathways on the continent such as the Basketball Africa League.
The Leopards returned to the World Cup after a 52-year absence and earned a surprise 1-1 draw with Portugal, Yoane Wissa scoring a first-half stoppage-time equalizer to secure DR Congo’s first World Cup point since 1974. Coach Sébastien Desabre praised his team’s discipline and mentality but warned the draw would count for little unless they built on it in forthcoming group matches, starting with Colombia, who sit atop Group K after a win over Uzbekistan.
