Barack Obama, the US 44th president and TP Mazembe president Moise Katumbi, are among a horde of global luminaries that have led tributes for the deceased Congolese-born basketball icon Mutombo Dikembe.
Dikembe, 58, died Monday, September 30, 2024 after battling brain cancer for two years.
An explosive basket player with eight All Star career selections and four Defensive Player of the Year awards, Dikembe has left an indelible imprint of his contribution to basketball.
In his tribute, Katumbi the Ensemble Pour la République leader and winner of the 2023 Congolese presidential election but dribbled by imposter Félix Tshisekedi, made particular mention of Dikembe’s humanitarian work.
https://x.com/moise_katumbi/status/1840852711383974275?t=ju_n0P79No5k47iYWbrEIQ&s=19
“Dikembe Mutombo has left us, leaving a big void in our hearts.
“I have had the opportunity to meet him several times and appreciate his vision.
“I remember his ardent desire to help the Congolese, especially the most disadvantaged, and to make them benefit from his benevolence.
“His legacy, through his remarkable works, will always testify to the man of heart he was,” the popular Katanga-based DRC leader said.
“My sincere condolences to his family and relatives. May his soul rest in peace.”
The 44th USA president Obama, an avid basketball follower himself, says Dikembe’s demise closed a chapter on one of the greatest sons of the sport.
“Dikembe Mutombo was an incredible basketball player – one of the best shot blockers and defensive players of all time.
“But he also inspired a generation of young people across Africa, and his work as the NBA’s first global ambassador changed the way athletes think about their impact off the court. Michelle and I are thinking of Dikembe’s family and everyone who knew and loved him,” he said.
https://x.com/BarackObama/status/1840874578555646058?t=Ea1Snm_iowrHPsM5vo8BVA&s=19
Several Congolese music stars and their sports counterparts including a horde of Americans are paying their respects to Dikembe who spent over $15 million of earnings to construct a hospital in Kinshasa named after his mother, $4 million from charity donations on a school in Kasai named after his father.
Dikembe was the 7th child in a family of 10. He is survived by his wife Rose, three children and another four who were adopted from his siblings.
