Superstitions Run High as Lightning Kills 11 Football Players in Congo

A bizarre and tragic incident has struck the world of football in the Central African state of Congo, leaving the nation grappling with superstitions and accusations of witchcraft. According to reports from the Kinshasa daily newspaper L’Avenir, a bolt of lightning struck and killed all 11 members of a football team during a match, while miraculously leaving their opponents unharmed. This shocking event unfolded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where local beliefs in charms and spells run deep, further fueling speculation that a curse might have been placed upon the team. 

The ill-fated match took place in the eastern province of Kasai, where 30 additional people suffered burns, adding to the mystique surrounding the incident. At the time of the lightning strike, the two teams were deadlocked at 1-1. A British News Paper The Guardian reported that Lightning killed at a stroke 11 young people aged between 20 and 35 years during a football match.” However, what baffled many was that while the visiting team faced this tragic fate, the athletes from the home team, Basanga, escaped the catastrophe unscathed. 

This baffling turn of events led to deep divisions among the local population, particularly in a region known for its beliefs in fetishes and superstitions in the context of football. The exact nature of the lightning strike became a matter of intense debate and intrigue. It’s worth noting that there has been no official confirmation of the incident, and the ongoing rebel war that engulfs much of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo adds to the difficulty of obtaining clear information. 

This tragic occurrence brings to the forefront the power of superstitions and beliefs, especially in regions where traditions and folklore remain deeply ingrained in the culture. In many parts of the world, including Africa, unexplained natural phenomena often lead to the attribution of mystical or supernatural causes. In this case, the occurrence of lightning, typically associated with natural meteorological processes, has been cast in the shadow of mysticism and curses. 

Such beliefs are not limited to Congo; throughout Western and Central Africa, witchcraft is frequently blamed for adverse events. In football, it is not uncommon for teams to engage the services of witchdoctors in the belief that they can influence the outcome of matches by placing hexes on their opponents. In a somewhat less deadly but nonetheless alarming incident that occurred over the same weekend in South Africa, a premier league soccer match in Johannesburg was brought to an abrupt halt when lightning struck the playing field.

Half of the players from both teams, Jomo Cosmos and Moroka Swallows, collapsed onto the ground, with several writhing in pain, clutching their ears and eyes. Spectators and coaching staff rushed onto the pitch to provide assistance. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred in this case, highlighting the unpredictability and destructive potential of lightning strikes during sporting events. 

These incidents serve as poignant reminders of the enduring influence of superstitions, folklore, and mysticism in various parts of the world. Despite the advancements in modern science and technology that provide rational explanations for natural events, traditions, and deeply rooted beliefs continue to shape perceptions and reactions, especially in moments of tragedy and uncertainty.