I am proud to play for ...

One of my mid week tasks is sorting out my fantasy league team which unfortunately is currently lamenting in mid table in our 'friends and enemies' league.

Sorting out requires a cursory glance at some of the football gossip on the wires and then checking if I am maximising my opportunities at getting the best points return from the upcoming matches. Today I came across this piece on Skysports, where Momo Sissoko, the dynamic, young, Liverpool midfielder talks about playing for Mali and not as Ben Oswest puts it, “Africa’s surrogate” team – France.

Momo goes on to talk about the opportunity which the beautiful game has given him, and how he is determined to improve his ability to fully make use of his circumstances. With 2010 fast approaching, I hope that many more Africans will make a similar choice and through their football entertain and enrich the continent.

“Liverpool's all-action midfielder Mohamed Sissoko insists he is proud to represent Mali despite admitting any player would 'love' to play for France. The 21-year-old star was born near Rouen but was unwilling to wait and see if Les Bleus came calling after he moved to Valencia from Auxerre in 2003.

Sissoko has since represented Mali, but, pressed on the issue of his nationality by the French media, has now admitted he would have been pleased to play for Raymond Domenech's World Cup finalists.

However, the athletic midfielder says he is more than happy representing the African nation and that Mali can stake a real claim for qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

"Anyone would love to play for the French team," Sissoko told L'Equipe. "But I made my choice and it is impossible to go back. I am proud to play for Mali. With Mahamadou Diarra, Kanoute, Seydou Keita, Djimi Traore, Adama Coulibaly, Kante and Eric Chelle we have a big team to, capable of qualifying for 2010 World Cup."

The Reds star also explained how his family is a strong motivation for his on-going success in the world of professional football.

"Every morning my father woke up at 5am to go to the factory," Sissoko revealed. "Getting out of my condition to improve my parents' lives has always been an additional motivation. It is not because I am playing at Liverpool that I believe I've made it. Football gave me an opportunity but I have worked hard to seize it and I won’t give up and not go on."

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=422793&CPID=219&clid=368&lid=2&title=Sissoko+happy+with+Mali+choice

Footnote - Taking an Ad Break:

Ben Oswest will be reading on 01 Novemeber 2006. It's an rsvp event but I will slip you out the odd glass of wine if you just happened to rock up, tis Africa after all - yes, I'll be the one wearing blue...

Baobab Books invites you to a reading by Ben Oswest -
Wednesday 1st November 2006 5.30 for 6.00pm
Henrietta Rose-Innes will introduce Oswest's novel,
The New Suffolk Hymnbook
The book will be on sale and Ben will be happy to sign your copies

Come join us for a glass of wine, Baobab Books, Baobab Mall, 210 Long Street.

RSVP Julie Aitchison
Telephone 4223894
firsted@iafrica.com