Dieumerci Mukoko, the Saint Eloi Lupopo right-back who became an
overnight villain to Orlando Pirates fans, is enjoying a surprising wave of
celebrity status in South Africa, a phenomenon his former coach says is pure
“showmanship.”
Mukoko first captured the nation’s attention with his provocative
gamesmanship against Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League, making him
a hated figure among Buccaneers supporters but an internet sensation
everywhere else. His notoriety was even playfully imitated by Kaizer Chiefs
players like George Matlou in a viral social media call.
His celebrity was confirmed when he returned to South Africa with Lupopo to
face Mamelodi Sundowns. Instead of boos, he was met by fans at Loftus
Versfeld Stadium eager to take pictures and videos with him.
So, who is the man behind the on-pitch persona? According to his former
coach, Luc Eymael, there are two very different versions of Dieumerci
Mukoko.
The Showman on the Pitch
“I was not surprised by his gamesmanship against Pirates; he’s like that,”
Eymael told the Siya crew. “People were shocked, but for me, I’m used to
him.”
Eymael, who coached Mukoko at Aigles du Congo before his move to Lupopo,
acknowledged the divisive nature of his player’s antics. “Some people are
saying he’s dirty, some people are not. It depends whether you’re a
supporter of Pirates or Chiefs or Sundowns.”
The Hard-Working Guy Off the Pitch
Away from the stadium lights, Eymael describes Mukoko as a completely
different character. “He’s a nice guy, hey. When he’s not on the pitch, he’s
not the same… he’s a hard-working guy.”
The coach revealed that Mukoko, now 27, was previously capped by the Congo
national team and is a “good player,” though he is no longer selected.
A Born Performer
Ultimately, Eymael paints a picture of a natural entertainer. The
showmanship begins long before kickoff.
“You can’t imagine how he is on the bus when we go to the stadium. Himself,
he’s a show, hey,” Eymael revealed. “He’s a one-man show when the team is
going to the stadium in the bus, I can tell you.”
This insight confirms that for Mukoko, the taunts and the walk that
infuriated Pirates fans were just another part of his performance.
