El Hadji Diouf (middle) with Uganda legends Hassan Wasswa (L),
and Tony Mawejje. Photo by FUFA media.
Senegalese football legend El Hadji Diouf has finally set foot in Uganda after several previous attempts to bring him to the country.
The two-time African Player of the Year, 44, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Saturday morning at the invitation of his close friend, renowned Ugandan musician Edriisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo.
Upon arrival, Diouf was warmly received by Kenzo, Uganda Cranes legends Tony Mawejje and Hassan Wasswa, as well as FUFA’s head of communications, Ahmed Hussein. Speaking to the media, Diouf expressed his excitement about being in Uganda and emphasized his commitment to the growth 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.
Following his arrival, he relocated to Serena Hotel Kampala, where he will be residing during his stay. Later, he will proceed to Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, to watch the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier between Uganda’s Teen Cranes and Kenya’s Young Starlets.
On Sunday, he is scheduled to meet the Uganda U17 national team (Cubs), currently in a residential camp at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru as they prepare for the upcoming AFCON U17 tournament in Morocco.
Additionally, he will hold discussions with key football stakeholders, including his close associate, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo. Diouf remains one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, remembered for his contributions to Senegal’s golden generation of the early 2000s.
He played a pivotal role in guiding the Lions of Teranga to the 2002 AFCON final and the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. At the club level, Diouf featured for several teams, including Sochaux, Rennes, Lens, Bolton Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, and English giants Liverpool FC.
His four-day visit, organized by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), will also include a tour of Big Talent Soccer Academy, a project founded by Eddy Kenzo.
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