Driving force

Diao gives momentum to Senegal's midfield

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- If Senegal's midfield can lay claim to being one of the best in Africa, much of the credit goes to the ambitions of defender Salif Diao.

Born in a remote desert town in the southeast of Senegal, 700 kilometers (430 miles) from the coastal capital, Diao -- now playing his club football for France's Sedan -- is one of the few athletes from the region to ever make it to the top ranks.

As a youngster, Diao fought to overcome his parents' disapproval just to try and win a place on neighborhood teams.

But his dreams went well beyond his neighborhood. And like few others around him, Diao pursued them all the way.

In 1992, Senegal Soccer Federation president Malick Sy Souris launched a youth center aimed at seeking out soccer talent to improve Senegal's profile on the senior level.

Diao spent years at the center, then went on to play for French side Monaco, which eventually became one of the major sponsors of the youth center.

But like many of Senegal's players -- the entire national squad is based in Europe, almost all of them in France -- Diao long resisted the chance to play for his home country.

It wasn't until Senegal signed French coach Bruno Metsu that Diao reconsidered his decision. Metsu was hired last October and is widely credited with putting together the best team Senegal has ever had.

Under Metsu, the Dakar Lions won their first trip to the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. It was Diao who scored the extra-time winner that sent the squad into the final, at the expense of Nigeria.

Metsu also steered Senegal to its first ever berth in the World Cup finals.

But that, Diao says, won't be a bed of roses, especially since Senegal faces defending world champion France in the first round.

"I hope we won't lose confidence," he said. "Until now, we haven't run into any team that can create any difficulties for us."

Acting as a spokesman for the players, it was Diao's job to fight an off-field battle to increase the players' bonuses for participating in the African Nations Cup and avert a boycott by the Senegalese team, which seemed imminent.

Diao not only managed to negotiate larger bonuses, but eventually emerged as one of the best players in the tournament.

 

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