Bamako (© 2024 Afriquinfos) – In search of new gems, FC Barcelona is turning strongly towards Africa by establishing partnerships with academies on the continent. One of the most recent is the one signed with the Africa Foot Academy in Mali on Tuesday October 15. A video from the President of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, confirmed this new collaboration.
A high-level delegation from FC Barcelona was present on Tuesday October 15 in Bamako, where it established an important partnership with the Africa Foot Academy. It was made up of Sergi Barjuan, Project Director of the Barça Academy, Moussa Koné, scout for Africa, as well as Bernat Villa, Technical Manager for the Europe and Africa zone. In the presence of HE Antonio Guillén HIDALGO, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Mali, the emissaries of the Catalan club met the leaders of Africa Foot including Bahama Sidibé, president, Seydou Diallo Doussey, 1st Vice-president, Thierno Barry, Manager General, Balla Sanogo, Technical Director.
The discussions led to the signing of a five-year partnership. This strategic collaboration between Africa Foot and FC Barcelona therefore extends over a period of 5 years, from 2023 to 2028. During this period, the two clubs will work cordially to promote football, develop talents and strengthen ties between Spain and Mali.
Through this partnership, transfer priority is given to FC Barcelona for two of the academy’s best players at the end of each season. In return, the Africa Foot Academy benefits from the support of FC Barcelona to improve its infrastructure. New ultra-modern facilities will emerge from the ground. They will be erected near Katibougou, a village in the rural commune of Mandé, some 20 kilometers from Bamako. They will cost around 300 million FCFA.
The said agreement also includes the establishment of new training programs. The famous style of play of the Catalan club, “tiki-taka” will now be taught with the provision of Spanish technicians.
If anyone wanted this collaboration to see the light of day, it was FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who welcomed its realization in a video in French published on the club’s social networks. He praised the implementation of the FC Barcelona style of play “a mark of identity” within the Africa Foot Academy.
Proof that the collaboration between the Catalan club and the Malian academy is concrete, Ibrahim Diarra, a promising winger known for his speed, his dribbling and his ability to finish, has joined Barça Atlètic. Named best player of the U-17 World Cup, the nugget of the Africa Foot Academy, was named best player of the U-17 World Cup, attracting the interest of several major European clubs, but it was Barça who managed to place himself in the lead.
S. B.
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