AFCON 2023 : Sadio Mané temporarily leaves Senegal’s camp

Sadio Mané, the star of Senegalese football, has temporarily left the national team camp, which is currently preparing for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). He is heading to his hometown of Bambaly.

Sadio Mané presents a new gem to Bambaly

The reason for his departure from the national team training camp is truly noble: he will attend the inauguration of a synthetic pitch that he has generously donated to his community, in collaboration with the Pepsi brand.

The renowned forward has taken the initiative to support his village by investing in a sports facility that will benefit the youth of the region. The synthetic pitch is designed to encourage sports practice and provide a suitable space for football, the sport that propelled Sadio Mané into the global spotlight.

This philanthropic act demonstrates Sadio Mané’s deep attachment to his roots and his desire to contribute positively to the development of his community. In partnership with Pepsi, the former Liverpool player sets an example by using his fame to bring about significant changes where he grew up.

The inauguration of the synthetic pitch in Bambaly not only marks a historic moment for the village but also a celebration of the positive impact that sports personalities can have on their hometowns.

Bambaly proud of its son, Sadio Mané

This pitch donated by Sadio Mané is just the continuation of a desire to make Bambaly a land of opportunities. The Senegalese forward had previously provided a health facility to his loved ones. Words and deeds. A health center, entirely funded by his own means, representing an investment of 350 million CFA francs (over 500,000 euros) from Sadio Mané.

This health center adds to the Bambaly high school, which was also erected thanks to the funding of the Lions’ forward and will have an impact on more than 34 villages. The captain of the Lions of Teranga stated, “This hospital is obtained thanks to you and for you, the population of Sédhiou.”

And Mané’s philanthropic actions do not stop there: the generous donor and his partners, including La Poste Group, Air Sénégal, Senelec, and Casa eau, intend to build other infrastructures. Among these, a post office and a gas station are planned, with the aim of opening up this poor and isolated region of Moyenne-Casamance in the southern part of the country.

Now the CAN for Sadio Mané…

In addition to these generous acts, the Senegalese forward also wants to make an entire country proud. This involves winning a new continental trophy. He mentioned the upcoming 2023 CAN in Côte d’Ivoire. “We know it won’t be easy, but we will be there to give our best and try to progress at each stage. We expect fierce competition. This competition will be one of the toughest I’ve participated in, as all the big nations are present with their own goals. But we’ll see what happens,” declared the captain.

The 31-year-old star also emphasized that winning a second consecutive trophy would be a special achievement, considering the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON trophy as the best he has won in his brilliant career.

“Winning the AFCON was the greatest honor of my life, and returning to that stage would be special and a great feat. It’s a dream I’ve nurtured since my childhood, and we will do our best. Winning the AFCON would have a major impact on our football, as we have won all the other categories, which is fantastic for the country,” concluded Sadio Mané.

Senegal will begin the defense of its title against Gambia on Monday, January 15, 2024, followed by the highly anticipated clash between the Lions of Teranga and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later. Their last group stage match will be against Guinea on Wednesday, January 23, 2024.