As Pikine, a Senegalese football club, is gearing up for the upcoming Ligue pro championship, scheduled to start on October 3. The team recently participated in a preseason tournament, "The Ground Dgpu Cup," where they lost 0-1 to Stade de Mbour on September 21 at Diamniadio.
According to coach Massamba Cissé, despite the difficulties encountered during the preparation period, the team performed well. However, he noted that the team needs to work on being more decisive in front of goal. Cissé emphasized the importance of reassuring the players, continuing to work with them, and boosting their confidence, especially when it comes to scoring goals.
The team's preparation is ongoing, with the players currently in a training camp at Saly. Coach Cissé expressed satisfaction with the team's progress so far, crediting the club's management for providing the necessary resources to build a competitive team. As Pikine finished 9th in the last two seasons and aims to secure their position in the league while also targeting a significant improvement in their ranking.
Coach Cissé warned that the team will not be complacent and will work hard to achieve their goals. As part of their transition phase, the club is focusing on promoting young players and giving them opportunities to play and develop their skills. The goal is to have a strong team that can compete at the top level in the next two to three years.
As part of this transition, six or seven experienced players have left the club, and they have been replaced by young and talented players discovered in lower divisions and academies. Coach Cissé justified this strategy by citing the economic realities of football, where selling a few players abroad can generate more revenue than winning the championship.
Coach Cissé highlighted the significant difference in revenue between selling players and winning the championship, stating that the team that wins the Senegalese championship receives only 40 million in prize money, whereas selling three players abroad can generate 150 million. He expressed regret that the club does not earn more from selling its players.
The team's strategy is focused on developing young players and creating a strong team for the future. With this approach, As Pikine aims to become a competitive force in Senegalese football and achieve success in the years to come.
Key points
- As Pikine is rebuilding its team with young players to compete at the top level in the next two to three years.
- The team's coach, Massamba Cissé, emphasized the importance of reassuring the players and boosting their confidence.
- As Pikine aims to secure their position in the league while also targeting a significant improvement in their ranking.
