Gaston Mbengue reached his final resting place yesterday, at the Yoff cemetery. The arena loses an emeritus promoter who left his mark on Senegalese wrestling. It’s normal that the “Don King” of “local sport” receives a shower of testimonies. Selected pieces.
By Amadou MBODJI – Modou Lô: “Gaston was a soldier…”
“We pray that God welcomes him to Heaven. Gaston is a soldier who fell on the battlefield, because even during his illness, he always made sure things went well. I had a special relationship with him, he was my friend. We talked very often and he was someone who cared a lot about the situation of the wrestlers. My start to my career and my rise passed into his hands, with the Claf tournament. I can never thank him enough.”
Gris Bordeaux: “It’s thanks to Gaston if certain wrestlers have become stars today”
“I have no words, because this news surprised us. Of course we know that death does not prevent, but it is sad news. This is a big loss for wrestling and sports in general. I often say that if certain wrestlers have become stars today, it is largely thanks to Gaston. He was very generous. He accompanied wrestlers until they could get their homes and yet they didn’t have big fees at the time. We therefore offer our condolences to his entire family and pray for the rest of his soul.”
Boy Niang 2: “Gaston was a reference for us”
“I pray for the rest of his soul. Gaston was a reference for us and he helped a lot of young wrestlers. He organized several of my fights including the last one (against Modou Lô). I went to visit him recently and we talked a lot. He was a really helpful person. If I was able to bring my parents to Mecca, it’s thanks to him.”
Luc Nicolaï: “It was Gaston who gave me the costume that I wore during the Yékini-Bombardier fight”
“Gaston fulfilled his mission, because he did everything he had to do in this world. We therefore pray for the rest of his soul. I’ll tell you an anecdote: during the Yékini-Bombardier fight, he called me into his shop in town to offer me the costume I wore that day. So there was no animosity between us. Our relationship was unknown to the general public.
Me Augustin Senghor: “A sincere man”
“I express my deep sadness following the death of Gaston Mbengue, a true man devoted to his community and his country. His charisma was undeniable, as was his impact in various sectors, notably that of wrestling. Alongside his family, the world of wrestling and many other sectors where his influence was remarkable, Senegalese football mourns the loss of its dean, Gaston. He was a good man, a sincere man who served his community and his country with dedication.”
Aminata Touré, former PM: “A true sports entrepreneur”
“I bow to the memory of my friend Gaston Mbengue, a true sporting entrepreneur who contributed greatly to the development of our national sport. I send my sad condolences to his family whom he loved so much and to the world of wrestling. May Allah welcome him to Paradise.”
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