Former Liverpool ace and two time African footballer of the year El Hadji Diouf has tipped young Ugandan footballers to remain focused and disciplined in order to make it and play in the world’s top flight football leagues.
“We finished playing football, we did everything we can do for our country, for Africa and now we’re here to help in any federation to build academies everywhere. That is why Senegal is a big example in the world and in Africa and have players like Sadio Mane and all these player because we built so many academies” he said.
Diouf added, “It doesn’t have to come from the politics of the government, after this, I would love to see the minister of sports and other people who are running football to discuss on what we can do for the youngsters because we know how tough it is, because I was on the streets back in the day” he said.
Mr Diouf made the remarks upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Saturday where was welcomed by Singer Eddy Kenzo, Uganda Cranes legends Hassan Wasswa, Tony Mawejje and FUFA officials.
“I worked hard to survive that’s why I came and want to share that with the people who run sports not only to talk about sports but to help Uganda’s football be one of the best soon. You’re doing well so far, I watched the game against Algeria, there’s lack of experience but that’s a game and I think it’s going to be hard to beat Uganda in this African Nations Cup in Morocco” he said.
Diouf further urged young footballers to believe in themselves and listen to their coaches in order to become the best footballers.
“Youngsters need believe in themselves, when I started playing football, I just wanted to be one of the best ambassadors of my country and continent like what Eddie is doing, my sister loves Eddie more than me. We want Africa to be proud of us and show the upcoming new generation that it’s all about hard work, listening in order to be the best ambassador in the world” he said.
Senior Presidential Adviser on creatives, Mr Edrisah Musuuza alias Eddy Kenzo said Diouf’s visit and interaction with the football fraternity will help guide both young and retired footballers on how to steer their careers both during and after their active playing life.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Communications Director Mr Ahmed Hussein said its crucial for young talents to meet and get inspired by former footballers as they develop their talents on the pitch.
“FUFA President Moses Magogo always insists on FUFA making and growing new friendships like these ones where by Eddy Kenzo a former footballer has gifted a visit to his friend El Hadji Diouf who is also going to visit the Big Talent soccer academy, the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team that is going for the Africa Cup of Nations, we believe it will inspire them as they go to the tournament” he said.
