Rocky Bushiri is heading to the World Cup and could face superstar Cristiano Ronaldo or potentially Hearts striker Claudio Braga in the opening game.
The Hibs defender was an unused substitute in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 1-0 international play-off win over Jamaica in the continental playoff final in Guadalajara, Mexico last month.
That victory secured their place in the finals after a 52-year absence since its only previous appearance.
On that occasion, the team known as Ziare opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Scotland in Dortmund.
They then lost 9-0 to Yugoslavia and 3-0 to Brazil.
The authorities declared a last-minute public holiday to mark the latest qualification.
And as part of the celebrations President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi received the national team delegation at the People’s Palace, while the crowds took to the streets of the capital, Kinshasa, to welcome the heroes, as the open-top bus toured the city streets.
Bushiri was born in DR Congo but his family moved to Belgium soon after.
He played for Belgian U19 and U21 teams before switching his international allegiance to DR Congo in March 2023, making his full international debut for them later that year.
He signed his first professional contract with Oostende in June 2017 becoming the youngest-ever debutant for Oostende in December.
Bushiri joined Norwich City in 2019 on a four-year deal and had loan spells with Blackpool and Belgian sides Sint-Truiden, KV Mechelen and KAS Eupen.
He originally joined Hibs in January 2022 and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Club, and solidified himself as a fans’ favourite.
His last-minute goal against Aberdeen last season was widely credited as being the moments that kick started Hibs season where they rose from the foot of the table to finish third.
Speaking to the media, Rocky discussed the historic achievement and his own personal feelings regarding a “dream come true” qualification for this Summer’s tournament in North America.
“(World Cup qualification) was the target for DR Congo. And I’m very grateful to be part of the group that has achieved going to the World Cup after 52 years. It is a dream come true.
“As a young footballer, when you start playing football, that is the ultimate dream. I hope to be part of the squad, I’m very grateful.
“It was amazing. One of the best feelings I’ve ever felt. It’s a project we started two or three years ago when the new manager (Sébastien Desabre) came in. He put the processes in place. One of the targets was going to AFCON, we did that and reached the semi-final. And now we have qualified for the World Cup.
“It’s our hard work and sacrifices behind it, while performing for your club otherwise you will not be a part of it. It’s a very good feeling.
“Playing as a senior international player is something extra in your career. You create memories and you have experiences you will be able to talk about later when you retire. It is something different you can’t explain.
“You meet boys from everywhere, playing in different countries, but you all come together for a short period of time to defend your country. You always go back, you stay connected. It keeps you connected to Africa, as you are here in Europe.
“Football is played in a different way, so every one brings a different experience from their own league to create something. That’s the beauty of it.”
Hibs head coach David Gray was delighted for the 26-year-old despite him missing the game against Kilmarnock due to a late return from the celebrations.
He told Hibs TV: “We’re obviously delighted for Rocky, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, which is brilliant news.
“It is a really special moment for Rocky. I think any young player dreams of playing at a World Cup. It’s something everyone aspires to.
“For these players, they’ve now got the opportunity to do it, which is brilliant. He fully deserves it for his performances, and I wish him all the best when he goes.”
DR Congo have been drawn in Group K and will face Portugal in Houston on 17 June in their opening fixture before games against Colombia in Estadio Akron near Guadalajara on 23 June and Uzbekistan four days later in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
And if the thought of facing Ronaldo wasn’t enough, the president also announced that each player on the national team would be given a house and a car, in recognition of the historic achievement.
