03:07Senegal: Liverpool star Sadio Mane a hometown hero for life-changing charity
Residents in the village of Bambali, where Liverpool star Sadio Mane was born, spoke on camera last week of their adoration for the striker, whose contribution to the village has earned him the status of local hero.
Mane's deeds on and off the pitch has led to the creation of a fan club in his honour, where local residents gather to watch his performances with the Senegal national football team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"Sadio represents everything for us," said Badou Diallo, Sadio Mane fan club president. "The aim of this fan club is to support our brother and our pride of the region Sedhiou."
Mane's uncle, Ibrahima Toure, who also lives in the village of 2,000, revealed that his nephew donated money for the construction of a hospital, mosque and a high school.
"He dreamt for a long time. I remember well, one day he told me: "Uncle, everyday you wake me up to go work in the field. One day I will be the one taking care of you. I will become an international footballer"," said Toure.
Mane's cousin Maimouna Saman said that his family haven't been able to sleep at night because they were constantly praying for success at the 2019 AFCON.
"We not only want Sadio Mane to win this AFCON but score the most goals, as leader of this team. We urge people to be united, because in that way, it will be alright. We are really optimistic," said Saman.
The Senegal national football team is due to play against Benin in the 2019 AFCON quarter-final, at the 30 June Stadium on Wednesday. Kick-off is set at 17:00 GMT.
03:07Residents in the village of Bambali, where Liverpool star Sadio Mane was born, spoke on camera last week of their adoration for the striker, whose contribution to the village has earned him the status of local hero.
Mane's deeds on and off the pitch has led to the creation of a fan club in his honour, where local residents gather to watch his performances with the Senegal national football team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"Sadio represents everything for us," said Badou Diallo, Sadio Mane fan club president. "The aim of this fan club is to support our brother and our pride of the region Sedhiou."
Mane's uncle, Ibrahima Toure, who also lives in the village of 2,000, revealed that his nephew donated money for the construction of a hospital, mosque and a high school.
"He dreamt for a long time. I remember well, one day he told me: "Uncle, everyday you wake me up to go work in the field. One day I will be the one taking care of you. I will become an international footballer"," said Toure.
Mane's cousin Maimouna Saman said that his family haven't been able to sleep at night because they were constantly praying for success at the 2019 AFCON.
"We not only want Sadio Mane to win this AFCON but score the most goals, as leader of this team. We urge people to be united, because in that way, it will be alright. We are really optimistic," said Saman.
The Senegal national football team is due to play against Benin in the 2019 AFCON quarter-final, at the 30 June Stadium on Wednesday. Kick-off is set at 17:00 GMT.