“The suffering in Congo is ignored by all parties”: Pickel wants to command respect for his motherland

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“I want to bring joy to my country and the people of Congo. I don’t want to get political, but the suffering in my motherland is being ignored from all sides.” Congolese-Swiss dual citizen Charles Pickel (26) chooses clear words in an interview with Blick prior to the first Africa Cup match against Zambia.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the second largest country in Africa in terms of area, civil wars and food shortages are commonplace. The performances of the national team are a welcome distraction. “I would like to do my part to give Congo a big stage and hopefully improve the situation a little,” says Pickel.

“I am very happy”

To achieve this, Pickel wants to do as well as possible with Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. In Group E the opponents are Zambia, Morocco and Tanzania. Progression is possible for the one-time African Cup champion (67/68). “We don’t have to hide from anyone, but we will have respect.”

For Pickel, the Africa Cup is his personal baptism of fire at a major tournament. “I am extremely happy,” says the Solothurn resident. Just a few months ago he chose between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Switzerland. “It was definitely not an easy decision,” he recalls.

“It was always my childhood dream to play for one of the two countries and I am happy that it happened this way,” Pickel emphasizes. Ultimately, he chose his motherland because of his gut feeling and the appreciation he received from those responsible in Congo. The wait for a call from Switzerland, for whom he has gone through all youth levels, is now obsolete.

Whole family at the Africa Cup of Nations

For Pickel, the African Cup comes in the middle of his statistically best season. Despite the relegation to Serie B, the midfielder stayed with Cremonese this summer and is now really performing with four goals. “If there had been something optimal, I would have looked into it further. But I’m not the type of person to abandon a sinking ship,” the former Basel junior explains.

In the city of violin makers, Pickel is now playing for direct promotion back to Serie A. For the time being, however, his thoughts are understandably focused on the Africa Cup of Nations. “I will give everything I can give,” he promises. He can count on the support of his family, who will cheer him on at least during the group stage. “They wouldn’t have wanted to miss this. This will also be an experience for them.”

Source : Blick