Senegal's Diouf in Uganda to inspire young footballers
"I am happy to be here, and I thank my brother Kenzo for the invitation. I am here to inspire young talent and discuss various aspects of football development," Diouf stated.
Former Senagalese international El Hadji Diouf (center) poses with musician Eddy Kenzo (left) and FUFA president Moses Magogo at the Hamz Nakivubo Stadium, March 8, 2025. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)
Michael Nsubuga
Sports journalist @New Vision
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Two-time African Footballer of the Year, El Hadji Diouf, is in Uganda on a four-day visit at the invitation of his close friend, renowned Ugandan musician Edriisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo, and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
Diouf arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Saturday and was warmly received by Kenzo, Uganda Cranes legends Tony Mawejje and Hassan Wasswa, as well as FUFA’s head of communications, Ahmed Hussein.
During a media interaction, he expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of African football.
"I am happy to be here, and I thank my brother Kenzo for the invitation. I am here to inspire young talent and discuss various aspects of football development. I am African, and I want to see African football grow. I recently watched Uganda play against Algeria and saw a lot of promising talent," Diouf stated.
On Saturday, Diouf attended a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, where Uganda’s Teen Cranes faced Kenya’s Young Starlets.
He was accompanied by FUFA president Moses Magogo.
As part of his visit, he will tour the Big Talent Soccer Academy, a project founded by Eddy Kenzo.
On Sunday, he is scheduled to meet Uganda’s U-17 national team (the Cubs), currently in a residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, as they prepare for the upcoming AFCON U-17 tournament in Morocco.
Diouf will also engage with key football stakeholders, including FUFA president Magogo.
The former Senegalese international is widely regarded as one of Africa’s football greats.
He was instrumental in leading Senegal’s "golden generation" to the 2002 AFCON final and the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
At the club level, Diouf had an impressive career spanning several teams, including Sochaux, Rennes, Lens, Bolton Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, and English giants Liverpool FC.
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