1. Overview
Jean-Kasongo Banza, also known by his nickname "Korando", was a professional footballer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Born on June 26, 1974, he primarily played as a forward throughout his career. Banza represented the DR Congo national team in several major tournaments and played for numerous clubs across various countries, including the DR Congo, Turkey, South Korea, Tunisia, and Germany. He was recognized for his extensive professional career that spanned multiple continents. Banza passed away in Kinshasa on June 7, 2024, at the age of 49.
2. Life
Jean-Kasongo Banza's early life laid the foundation for his extensive football career, which saw him play across different continents.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Jean-Kasongo Banza was born on June 26, 1974. He was known by his nickname "Korando" during his career. Details about his specific childhood and upbringing beyond his birth information are not widely documented.
2.2. Early Career Development
Banza began his professional football journey in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he played for AS Vita Club. This initial period in his career served as a stepping stone for his later moves to international leagues.
3. Major Activities and Achievements
Jean-Kasongo Banza's career was marked by his participation in various club leagues across different countries and his consistent presence in the DR Congo national team.
3.1. Club Career
Banza's club career was notable for its international scope, as he played for teams in Africa, Asia, and Europe. After starting with AS Vita Club in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he moved to Turkey to play for Gençlerbirliği.
In 1997, Banza ventured into Asian football, joining the K League in South Korea. He played for Chunnam Dragons and also for Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma, which is now known as Seongnam FC. His time in the K League showcased his adaptability to different footballing environments.
Following his stint in Asia, Banza returned to Africa, playing in Tunisia for CS Sfaxien and Olympique Béja. He then moved to Germany, where he played for prominent clubs such as VfL Wolfsburg and MSV Duisburg, further expanding his experience in European leagues.
3.2. International Career
Jean-Kasongo Banza was a key player for the DR Congo national football team, representing his country in several significant international tournaments. He participated in the 1996 African Cup of Nations, the 1998 African Cup of Nations, and the 2000 African Cup of Nations. His involvement in these major competitions underscored his importance to the national team and his consistent performance at the international level. In the 1998 tournament, the DR Congo national team achieved a third-place finish.
3.2.1. Tournament Squads
Jean-Kasongo Banza was part of the following DR Congo national squads for the African Cup of Nations tournaments:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| P1 | Babale |
| P2 | Merikani |
| P3 | Tambwe |
| P4 | Danga |
| P5 | Dinzey |
| P6 | Hitoto |
| P7 | Kasongo |
| P8 | Lukose |
| P9 | Monka |
| P10 | Kabongo |
| P11 | Lembi |
| P12 | Kalenga |
| P13 | Kiniambi |
| P14 | Mamale |
| P15 | Mukanya |
| P16 | N'Dinga |
| P17 | Essende |
| P18 | Lukaku |
| P19 | Kasongo |
| P20 | N'Gole |
| P21 | Ngonge |
| P22 | Ngaduane |
| Coach | Ertuğral and Basilwa |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| P1 | Tokala |
| P2 | Kimoto |
| P3 | Mundaba |
| P4 | Makenga |
| P5 | Kabongo |
| P6 | Selenge |
| P7 | Banza |
| P8 | Hitoto |
| P9 | Tondelua |
| P10 | Simba |
| P11 | Litimba |
| P12 | Nkueni |
| P13 | Bakasu |
| P14 | Mungongo |
| P15 | Bazamba |
| P16 | Mbayo |
| P17 | Mamale |
| P18 | Kanokene |
| P19 | Bapupa |
| P20 | Bembuana-Keve |
| P21 | Ilunga |
| P22 | Mtshipayi |
| Coach | Watunda |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| P1 | Nkueni |
| P2 | Bageta |
| P3 | Kasongo |
| P4 | Yuvuladio |
| P5 | Bakasu |
| P6 | Mukando |
| P7 | Banza |
| P8 | Nsilulu |
| P9 | Ngonge |
| P10 | Mbungu |
| P11 | Mamale |
| P12 | Tokala |
| P13 | Mangituka |
| P14 | Dinzey |
| P15 | Londji |
| P16 | Apataki |
| P17 | Mulekelayi |
| P18 | Yemweni |
| P19 | Mbabu |
| P20 | Bazamba |
| P21 | Kibwey |
| P22 | Mampuya |
| Coach | Lusadusu |
4. Death
Jean-Kasongo Banza died in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on June 7, 2024. He was 49 years old at the time of his passing.
5. Assessment
Jean-Kasongo Banza's career is assessed based on his extensive contributions as a forward across multiple football leagues and his role in the national team.
5.1. Positive Assessment
Banza was highly regarded for his abilities as a forward, demonstrating versatility by playing in diverse footballing cultures. His career spanned clubs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Turkey, South Korea, Tunisia, and Germany, showcasing his adaptability and consistent performance levels across different competitive environments. His participation in three consecutive African Cup of Nations tournaments (1996, 1998, and 2000) for the DR Congo national football team highlights his enduring talent and commitment at the international level. His long and varied professional journey cemented his legacy as a notable Congolese international footballer.
6. Impact
Jean-Kasongo Banza's career left a significant mark on the sport, particularly through his contributions to the DR Congo national football team and the various leagues he played in.
6.1. Contribution to Football
Banza's extensive career, which saw him play professionally across three continents, contributed to the global reach of African football talent. His presence in the K League in South Korea, as well as in Turkish, Tunisian, and German leagues, demonstrated the capabilities of Congolese players on the international stage. As a consistent member of the DR Congo national football team for multiple African Cup of Nations campaigns, he inspired aspiring footballers in his home country and helped raise the profile of Congolese football. His longevity and adaptability across different footballing systems underscored his significant and lasting contribution to the sport.