Mane’s fighting spirit worthy of emulation-Sports minister

 

Sadio Mane’s fighting spirit is not only a virtue but one that should be emulated by youths across the African continent.

That was the submission of Senegal Sports minister Matar Ba as the country and in particular Mane’s birthplace of Bambali continues to celebrate his crowning as African footballer of the year.

Ba noted that the Liverpool forward has shown over the years both off and on the pitch that humility and hard work pays, noting that he never relented in his quest to be the best without failing to appreciate those who were adjudged better than him in the past.

“Sadio has fought his way to progress and to become the best player on the continent. He has always grinded his teeth in the face of difficulties to move forward”. “Faced with difficulties, he fought, last year, at home, he did not win but that did not prevent him from fighting to get this crown. This is the lesson that we must take from his coronation,” Ba submitted.

Mane’s birthplace Bambali has reportedly turned into mecca of some sort as many of his fans celebrated all night while many continued to visit the area just to identify with what they have dubbed New Year gift of the new decade.

Residents of the suburb described Mane in a radio vox pop as an Ambassador who has taken the name of the community to greater height projecting his origin in good light.

“We do not have the words to thank Sadio (Mane) who has brought be attention of the village in the best positive way, a local resident told public broadcaster, Radio Senegal.

Mane’s victory Tuesday brings to two the number of Senegalese that have clinched the prestigious award.

El Hadji Diouf who incidentally played for Liverpool between 2002 and 2005 making 55 appearances and scoring three goals, won the gong back to back in 2001 and 2002.

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Among former winners who graced the occasion Tuesday include Cameroon’s Samuel Eto who won the award a record four times and Nigeria’s NwanKwo kanu who clinched the award twice, 1996 and 1999.