Days after marking their return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-earned draw against Portugal, and three days before facing Colombia in their second group match, the Democratic Republic of Congo national team took time out of their tournament exertions to visit one of their own.
The Leopards, who have the World Cup base camp in Houston, spent part of their weekend visiting the Houston Rockets' training facility, where they were welcomed by veteran NBA center Clint Capela, whose mother is from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Capela, who has long embraced his African heritage despite being born and raised in Switzerland took the team on a tour of the Rockets' facilities and spent some time on the court.
A video shared from the event showed Capela reminding the footballers why he has spent more than a decade in the NBA. The 6-foot-10 center took on Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki in a one-on-one sequence before driving to the basket and finishing with a dunk, drawing laughter and reactions from players and staff gathered around the court.
"It was an immense pleasure to welcome @fecofadrc to the @houstonrockets training center," Capela wrote on social media afterward.
"Thank you for this inspiring and memorable visit. Keep making us dream and continue to proudly represent the Democratic Republic of Congo. LEOPARDS."
The veteran has been a regular participant in NBA Africa initiatives, including the NBA Africa Game and Basketball Without Borders camps, where he has worked with young prospects from across the continent.
He has also publicly supported the growth of basketball development pathways in Africa through programs such as the Basketball Africa League.
Capela told NBA Africa during a previous visit to the continent that he wants young Africans to understand that reaching the highest levels of sport is possible regardless of where they come from.