In a recent interview with Awoko Newspaper, former Senegalese international, El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf expressed his admiration and gratitude for Sierra Leone’s esteemed footballer, Mohamed Kallon.
Diouf said he felt a warm sense of belonging during his latest five-day visit to Sierra Leone, thanks in part to Kallon’s hospitality.
FRIENDLY MATCH
Diouf, who was in Sierra Leone alongside fellow African stars Emmanuel Eboue from Ivory Coast and Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu, participated in a friendly match organised by FC Johansen at the SLFA Academy and shared his excitement about the opportunity to play alongside Kallon, a player he had long admired.
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
Reflecting on his early career, Diouf recalled, “In my days as a young footballer in Senegal, Kallon was a source of inspiration for me. I remember watching him break barriers while playing for Inter Milan in Italy.”
He continued, “I have always expressed my deep gratitude to Kallon for the significant impact he has made for African football.”
LEGACY
Diouf went on to highlight Kallon’s legacy both on and off the pitch, stating, “Kallon is a true legend. His contributions are invaluable. Today, many people recognize Sierra Leone largely because of Mohamed Kallon’s accomplishments. May God bless him for all the good he has done,” he prayed.
The former Senegal international, who had notable spells at clubs such as Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool, and Rangers, had an impressive international career of nine years, scoring 21 goals in 69 appearances.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Furthermore, Diouf also expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leonean people for the warm reception extended to him and the other legends of African football during their visit to Sierra Leone. Accompanied by the Arsenal Football Club (AFC) Fans Television, from December 18 to December 22, the visit was part of the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of FC Johansen, a second division club in Sierra Leone.
Among those celebrated was Mohamed Kallon, a renowned Sierra Leonean who has garnered admiration and prayers from his Senegalese colleagues.
Kallon, who made 39 appearances for his country and scored seven times, is globally recognized as the most successful footballer from Sierra Leone and ranks among Africa’s most decorated athletes, contributing significantly to the representation of both his country and the continent on the international stage.
COACH AND ENTREPRENEUR
Now retired from international football, the former forward for Inter Milan, AS Monaco, and FC Kallon has transitioned to coaching and entrepreneurship. Few years ago, he proudly became Sierra Leone’s first professional coach to earn a UEFA coaching badge.
Additionally, Kallon also owns several ventures, including Kalleone Radio and Kallon Sports Boutique, and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of FC Kallon, which is actively nurturing young talent through its U15, U18, and other youth programmes.
Credit: AIPS Media
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