Page 28 - LionKing

FEATURE
IBRAHIMA KALIL DABO
Ibrahima Kalil Dabo is a young Guinean footballer in the U-17 team, National Cadet Team. One of the rising stars of Guinean football, the 16-year-old holds the position of left back.
Any words of encouragement to your team?
My country, Guinea is qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations. I encourage the team to redouble their efforts, to wet the jerseys so that we can go to the final. Don’t forget that in terms of selection for the Africa Cup of Nations, only the best teams are qualified, the very best players
AMADOU PATHÉ DIALLO
Malian ex-international footballer, Amadou Pathé Diallo, left Mali in 1987 to join Sporting CP of Portugal, where he signed
a five-year deal, and later ended up in Portimonense S.C. In 2006, 2012 and 2013 he was the interim coach of the Malian national football team.
How did you feel, the first time you
played for your country in an international competition?
Playing for the national team is what I always wanted, when it comes to the nation you have to give it all. We can’t describe what it feels like because it’s
a very deep feeling. Imagine travelling
to play in a faraway country listening to the national anthem, broadcasted live, it makes you think about the country, the people you left behind supporting you and everything else.
TIJANI BABANGIDA
Tijani Babangida is a Nigerian
ex-International footballer. Babangida who played in five different countries on three different continents, spent the majority of his playing career at Ajax. He played over 30 games for his national side, including four at the 1998 World Cup in France. He participated in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and won the 1996 Olympics with Nigeria.
Do you think African football is finally getting to the elusive International game standard?
I think it is quite obvious now that most countries such as Nigeria and Egypt are
are selected and come together. So, do not let players think only about money, but rather put forward the honour of the nation and family.
Describe the feeling of playing for your nation for the very first time?
It was a dream for me, I always wanted
to represent my country. Having the chance to wear the national team jersey among thousands of young Guineans and representing my country at such important competitions has been a source of pride.
Can you describe the feeling of Fans screaming your name in the stands?
An unforgettable sensation that makes our heart vibrate. Fans screaming our names
is an honor, it is the symbol of recognition shown to us by the fans. It accentuates our responsibilities even if we get used to it.
Any words of encouragement for the Mali Team?
I have been the captain of the national team for 10 years; my history is linked to the national team of Mali. I only felt good when I wore the national jersey and all the players know it, and I’ve been saying the same thing for years. I’m on the phone with them almost every day, I tell them
to remember that they are representing
a nation that has issues, to focus on the game as well as to think about the people they left behind, supporting and vibrating for them.
in recession and coming up with stronger teams but I don’t believe we are at the peak of our potentials. I would give us another 5 - 6 years to get there because now most of the old players are gone and they are trying to build younger and stronger teams.
What has been your best experience playing?
I have experienced a lot of things in football. I would say the Olympics of course, the world cup, the Champions League. I’m happy I got to experience all of the big leagues and that is something you don’t get to forget.
28 | The Lion King | April - June 2019