City’s tough-tackling Belgian with a caring side is just back from the annual trip he makes to the outskirts of Kinshasa, where he is closely involved with the SOS Children’s Villages charity.
Kompany is an enthusiastic backer for SOS support of the most vulnerable children, aiming to provide a safe home within a family-based model, as well as primary health care and education.
And Vincent, whose father was born in the Congo, now plans to step up his input by creating a foundation to offer the children the chance to develop their talents outside the classroom.
He explained: “The SOS village is for 150 children and has a medical centre for 10,000 people a year, so there’s an impact on the surrounding community.
“It gives children a chance to attend school, learn to read and write, and go back to a form of stable family life.
“But you have to develop aspects of the child’s personality as well. Do they want to be a footballer, an athlete, in music, the media maybe? We’ll try to develop their natural talent.
We will find a way to put all this in place. I don’t try to do anything that’s out of my reach, but this is what gets my heart beating
“This isn’t just about satisfaction. Everyone knows I’m crazy about my football, it’s a priority for me, and I tackle this project with the same motivation and discipline.
“I know where I’m going and what I need to do to get there. The only question is how many obstacles will be in your way. But every problem has a solution, and every door has a key.”
Vincent admits his first trip to the birthplace of his father Pierre was a shock, but added: “There is such beauty in the country after that. It was a matter of discovering my roots.
“And if you can take a child who had no chance and give them a chance to become someone who can make a difference, then how much more beautiful can a story be?
“I feel privileged, and it’s something I will fight for in the future. It’s unfair to have opportunities in Europe but not in Africa, and I want to do something to make a difference.”
Watch mcfc.co.uk for an exclusive behind-the-scenes, on-the-spot insight into Vincent’s involvement in the Congo.
