Glody Makabi Lilepo has been encouraged to mend his relationship with the DR Congo national team if he wants to elevate his status further at Kaizer Chiefs.
This advice comes from a former Congolese player familiar with the inner workings of both the PSL and the DR Congo football setup. According to the veteran, Lilepo’s current absence from the national team is more about past behaviour than current form.
READ | BREAKING: More FIFA drama for Betway Premiership side
Despite showing promise since his move to Naturena from French outfit Valenciennes, the 27-year-old has not been considered for selection by national team coach Sébastien Desabre. The root of the issue reportedly dates back to a controversial incident during his last international duty.
Lilepo allegedly refused to travel with the team on matchday after learning he had been left out of the final squad—a move that didn’t sit well with team management. Since that fallout, his last appearance in DR Congo colours was a friendly against Uganda in June 2023. He has 11 caps to his name.
“He needs to apologise for what happened,” said the former international. “What he did gave the impression that he isn’t a team player. If coaches make a selection, you respect it—even if you don’t agree.”
The ex-pro emphasized that selections aren’t always explained, but they must be respected. “Now that he’s settling well at Kaizer Chiefs, he should avoid stirring up the past. Owning up and apologising will only boost his profile.”
The source believes Lilepo would benefit tremendously by rejoining the national squad and playing alongside elite talents like Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa, Simon Banza, and Samuel Essende.
“He’s now at a club that can put him back on the international map. It’s time to sort things out and move forward. His actions back then made him look immature—and that can’t be repeated if he’s serious about growing his career.”
READ | Cardoso reflects on Fluminense showdown
During his 16-month stint in France’s Ligue 2, Lilepo was called up but didn’t earn a single cap, and his behaviour on that one call-up continues to shadow his national team ambitions.
