African champions, TP Mazembe, are prepared to take part in this year’s Fifa Club World Cup billed to hold in Japan between December 10 and 20.

This is the third appearance of The Ravens at the world stage following their triumph in the Caf Champions League over USM Alger over two legs. Their previous participation were in 2009 and 2010.

With five African titles in their trophy cabinet following successes in 1966, 1967, 2009, 2010 and 2015, the Lubumbashi club have put themselves among the elites of interclub football on the continent.

Now they have set sail on putting their name on the world map having surprisingly reached the final of the Club World Cup in 2010 before suffering a 0-3 loss to Inter Milan in the UAE.

The Ravens return to Asia, this time to the Far East, with the memory of their superb display against Brazilian outfit, Internacional, at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on December 14, 2010. TP Mazembe dispatched the Brazilian club 2-0 with goals from Mulota Kabangu and Dioko Kaluyituka to set up a final with Inter Milan.

However, TP Mazembe will start this year’s edition of the Fifa Club World Cup from the quarterfinal. They will face the winners of the playoff between Sanfreece Yokohama and Auckland City at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka on December 13.

If the Congolese club overcome their potential quarterfinal opponents then they have their hands full against quality opposition in Argentine giants, River Plate, who are Copa Libertadores holders (South American champions).

TP Mazembe will head off to Japan with some of the top performers based on the continent. Robert Kidiaba Muteba, Roger Assale, Mbwana Aly Samatta, Adama Traore and Rainford Kalaba among others will hope to leave their footprint in the Far East.

It does not stop there for TP Mazembe as they have a Ghanaian contingent which their French coach Patrice Carteron has huge respect. The quintet of Richard Boateng, Daniel Adjei, Solomon Asante, Gladson Asante and Yaw Frimpong are priceless additions to the TP Mazembe fold set for the Club World Cup.

The squad

Robert Kidiaba Muteba, Sylvain Gbohouo Guelassiognon, Aime Bakula Ulonde, Joel Kimwaki Mpela, Nathan Sinkala, Patient Mwepu Shimbi, Salif Coulibaly, Roger Claver Assale Djapone, Mbwana Aly Samatta, Given Singuluma, Adama Traore, Merveille Bope Bokadi, Kabaso Chongo, Christian Koffi Raoul Kouame, Jonathan Bolingi Mpangi, Rainford Kalaba, Daniel Nii Adjei, Solomon Asante, Gladson Awako, Yaw Frimpong, Richard Kissi Boateng, Thomas Emanuel Ulimwengu, Boubacar Diarra

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com