Pape Ousmane Sakho: Ambassador of Senegal in Tanzania
After a slow start, the Senegalese striker who plays in the Tanzanian League, has become one of the mainstays of Simba FC both in the league and in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2021-2022.
Moroccan side RS Berkane discovered this on Sunday when Pape Ousmane Sakho returned in full form by scoring the only goal of the game in their Group D clash.
Sakho intends to put all his prowess and striking abilities at the disposal of Simba FC to bring glory to the Tanzanian giants in domestic and continental competitions.
“I want to give my all to this team for all the love, respect and veneration they have shown me since my arrival here,” the former Diambars Academy resident told CAFOnline.com.
Senegalese footballers are popular in the world, I have to do my best to please our many fans and give a good image of my country. Pape Ousmane Sakho
Due to injury, the former player of Teungueth FC in the Senegalese elite top-flight, who was a member of the 2021 Senegal champions squad that also played in the CAF Champions League 2020-2021, reveals he was unable to play to his full potential for Simba because of the setback.
“But since I regained all my physical abilities, things are starting to get better and better,” said the only scorer of the match between Simba FC and Berkane on Sunday.
At 26, Pape Ousmane Sakho, who also played for Mbour Petite Côte, says he has the responsibility of raising his game to meet the expectations of local fans which will open doors for Senegalese footballers to come to Tanzania.
”Senegalese footballers are popular in the world, I have to do my best to please our many fans and give a good image of my country,” he said, stressing that it is also a way to open the door to other Senegalese footballers.
“In terms of preparation and the quality of the players, the local Senegalese footballers can grow here. What makes the difference is the means made available to the footballer in the Tanzanian championship,” Sakho added.
His former president at Teungueth FC, Babacar Ndiaye is happy to see his former protege ‘shine on the continental scene’ after the striker’s exploits with Simba FC.
“There was a lot of criticism at the beginning of his transfer to Tanzania but I know that this football club Simba is a good destination for him to continue to grow as a footballer and as a man,” said President Ndiaye.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to play in the biggest leagues in the years to come,” he commented.
