Luanda, Angola – In the midst of a high-profile dispute between Brazilian football player Rivaldo and Kabuscorp do Palanca, regarding a debt owed by the club, Kabuscorp President Bento Kangamba reassured the nation’s football supporters that the country’s interests are being protected.

Despite concerns of collective penalties against Angolan national teams and clubs, Kangamba remains calm and confident that the situation will be resolved without harming the sport in the country. He stated, “Rivaldo has been paid. We are awaiting confirmation of a transfer of 80,000 euros to finalize the debt. On December 12th, we paid $300,000 out of the confirmed $500,000 we agreed to pay Rivaldo. In January, we paid him $70,000. This means we still owe 80,000 euros to complete the $200,000 we were supposed to pay. Our lawyers are working on this matter.”

Kangamba also criticized the current federation headed by Artur Almeida and Silva, urging supporters to remain calm and focus on the nine points Kabuscorp is set to earn, rather than being distracted by rumors of demotion. He encouraged Kabuscorp’s fans and supporters of national sports to have faith in the club’s work with Rivaldo’s lawyers and FIFA.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports is closely monitoring the situation, with Secretary of State Carlos Almeida hoping for a resolution that satisfies all parties. “There is a deadline. We hope Kabuscorp can fulfill their obligations and avoid a situation that could cause an imbalance, especially in our national football championship, given Kabuscorp’s significant presence.”

This dispute involving Rivaldo is not the first for the club, which won the Girabola in 2013. Local coaches, such as Romeu Filemon and assistants, as well as several athletes, have also claimed non-payment of contractual obligations. In the current edition of the Girabola, Kabuscorp do Palanca has already lost nine points due to non-compliance, a situation that occurred last season as well. Kangamba remains optimistic that the club will recover and return to its former glory, believing the FAF’s measures to be premature and influenced by creditors.

The Angolan football scene has seen teams face FIFA’s heavy hand before, including FC Cabinda, National de Benguela, and Akwá, the Palancas Negras’ top scorer, accused by Qatar SC of neglecting his national duties. The fate of Tresor Mputu Mabi, the Democratic Republic of Congo star, was also a notable disagreement with the club, with FIFA ruling in his favor, but the situation with his former club, TP Mazembe, had a different outcome.

Kabuscorp do Palanca remains in fourth place in the country’s top football competition, with 39 points. FIFA has urged the team to provide evidence of debt payment, with the potential for the club to lose points if it fails to comply.

More details about this article here: Bento dos Santos Kangamba (BK)