As part of the "Sport féminin toujours" (Women's Sport Forever) campaign, France 24's Le Journal de l'Afrique travels to the Democratic Republic of Congo to discover "Nzango," a Congolese sport played exclusively by women.
Once confined to school playgrounds, "Nzango," which means "foot game" in Lingala, has been recognized for several years as a sport in its own right in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo-Brazzaville, represented by federations in both countries. This sport, in which each team must jump and cross their legs in sync to score points to the rhythm of songs, has sparked real enthusiasm on both sides of the Congo River. Many neighborhoods have formed teams that bring together women from all social classes. Today, both countries are fighting to have "Nzango" recognized as an Olympic discipline.
"Discovering 'Nzango', the 100% female Congolese sport." A report by France 24 correspondents in the DRC, Clément Bonnerot and Juliette Dubois. Broadcast on Friday, January 22, at 9:45 p.m.
Press release