XALIMANEWS-Saturday November 2, the Keur Massar team became regional champions by brilliantly winning against UCAD (28-21), after 19 years of existence. At the end of this historic victory, coach Ansoumana Sadio and emblematic captain Cheikh Fall expressed their satisfaction while launching an appeal to the municipal and state authorities of their locality to obtain substantial support. Their objective is to prepare as best as possible for the coming season, where the team will play in the Second Division.
“It was a great relief, we thank God,” immediately declared Ansoumana Sadio, initially dismissed as a player and who took his place on the bench after the opening defeat (28-27) of the Yellows and Blue in front of Sen Handball, in the group stage. “For 19 years, with limited resources, we have fought to exist in this handball at regional level. But thanks to the contribution of some, including Youssou Sangharé (DUC coach and resident of Keur Massar), his brother Doudou Diaw Sangharé (former Jaraaf player) and especially Cheikh Fall, who spared no effort, we were able to achieve our goal. » The former handball player, double finalist of the Senegal Cup with ISEG against ASFA and regional champion with the same club, spoke about the final: “We were more determined and more present on the pitch. Tactically, we implemented a 1-5 defense to hamper their attacks and limit ball circulation. Our players are strong one on one, and today we had finishers, our wingers also performed well. In the first half, we suffered defensively, especially with the youth of our team, only the base being experienced. In the second half, we stifled their wings and forced errors on offense, which allowed us to widen the gap. As you can see, the last 30 minutes were dominated by our counter-attacks. »
For his part, Cheikh Fall expressed his satisfaction: “It’s a huge pleasure, a great relief, especially after a very difficult season. We didn’t even have a training ground and we trained on the sand. More than 19 years after our existence, we live in difficult conditions, and this has motivated us. Despite everything, we persevered. The team had to achieve something to attract the attention of the Keur Massar authorities. »
This victory marks a turning point for Keur Massar, who, for the first time, fills his trophy cabinet in the senior category. However, the team is in a precarious financial situation and will need support from local authorities to meet the challenges of the Second Division. Hence the urgent appeal from Ansoumana Sadio and Cheikh Fall: “ The authorities must support the team, because Keur Massar Handball Club does not represent a neighborhood or a street, but the entire municipality. We are too alone. We, young people, are getting by, but playing in D2 involves enormous costs, especially for travel, such as going to Kolda. We are guided solely by our passion for handball, which pushes us to go beyond our limits,” explained the Teacher holding hand chalk at the elementary school at the LES MONTESSOURIS INSTITUTION.
These comments were supported by the emblematic and very sociable player Cheikh Fall: “I appeal to the authorities to support local children. Next season, we will be the only team in the town to play in the Second Division, all disciplines combined. For this, we must benefit from unwavering support from our authorities. »
Let us hope that this cry from the heart, emanating from two emblematic figures of the 2024 regional champion team, finds a favorable echo with the municipal and state authorities of Keur Massar, to accompany the gang to Oumar Thiam, Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye, Arona Sy Diedhiou and Souleymane Drama.
