Faces of Soccer: Senegal – a letter to the nationwide crew

Pricey Senegalese nationwide crew, 

My identify is Mamadou Loum, and I stay in Rome, capital of lovely Italy. I’ve been dwelling right here since 2009 and I work as a warehouse assistant. Exterior of labor, I play soccer – I’m a goalkeeper for a crew referred to as Soccer Uni. 

I’ve been following the Senegalese nationwide crew since approach again in 1992, through the wonderful period of François Bocandé, Victor Diagne and Souleymane Sané. What a crew that was. 

Senegal is a proud nation and whereas I’ve skilled some fantastic moments, I’ve additionally skilled some disappointments too. A reminiscence that also hurts to today is the Africa Cup of Nations remaining defeat to Cameroon in 2002. 

It’s fantastic to be going into this World Cup in Qatar having not too long ago righted the wrongs of 2002 and received the Africa Cup of Nations initially of the yr. Successful it’s one thing I’ll by no means, ever, neglect. 

To the Senegalese nationwide crew, I ship you this small message of encouragement forward of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This World Cup may very well be an awesome one for us, with a lot expertise within the squad I actually consider we will go far. 

The one factor we actually ask from you guys is that you just get pleasure from yourselves, and that we get pleasure from watching you play. Play the soccer that you just play so properly, trust in your self and provides it your all. 

No matter you do although, simply know that being there and competing on the event makes younger folks throughout Senegal dream – dream of representing our fantastic nation on a world stage.

All united, all collectively, we want can obtain nice issues. Manko wouti ndamli. We’re all behind you, as at all times.

The entire of Senegal and all of the Senegalese of the world are behind you! 

Come on you Lions!