ABU DHABI // A first call up for Senegal and two winner's medals in the UAE's domestic competitions, all within three weeks, has given rise to new hopes to Andre Senghor, an aspiring young African footballer with long-term ambitions to play in Europe. Senghor, 23, began his journey three years ago when he arrived with his agent for a trial at Al Ain, the most successful club in the country.
"I got selected," said the tall striker. "They signed me for two years and loaned me to the Syrian club Al Karama, where I spent my first season, and the next season with Raja Casablanca in Morrocco. "They were happy with me from the reports they received from those two clubs, and renewed my contract for three more years to remain at Al Ain. And I must say this has been my best season so far." Yet Senghor has to play a secondary role behind his more illustrious peers, the Chile international Jorge Valdivia, the Brazilian Andre Diaz and the Moroccan international Soufiane Alloudi.
"I didn't mind playing behind them. I knew I will get the opportunities to play if I kept working hard with the team, and luckily for me, I didn't have to wait long. I think I have done pretty well whenever I got to play and score a few decisive goals for my team. "I was very fortunate to win two medallions in less than a fortnight after being called up for my first international game for Senegal."
Senghor received his first cap for Senegal in a friendly with Oman on March 28 and followed up with Etisalat and President's Cup triumphs, and his team remains on course of a third trophy - the Pro League. Senghor admits his first season in Ain has been the most significant so far in his budding young career. He has 10 goals next to his name, seven in the Pro league, two in the Etisalat Cup and one in the President's Cup.
"It has been a fantastic three weeks for me. The call up for Senegal came out of the blue, and then to have won two medallions was just fabulous. I was very, very fortunate, and obviously looking forward for more." Senghor comes from a family dedicated to the game with his brothers Pierre and Basin full time players who failed to gain the much needed attention for opportunities beyond their domestic competitions. And, in spite of his mother's protest, he moved abroad.
"My mother was very upset when I left school to play full time," he said. "That was understandable because my brothers failed to make it to big time football although they were better players than me. I was the youngest of the boys in a family of three boys and four girls, and my father is a pensioner. Thankfully I made it and am able to help my family. Now my mother is very happy I made it to some level in the game I enjoyed most. I got worried at the start that I wouldn't get the break that I had been waiting for."
Senghor is a big fan of the French legend Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid. "I just like his style of play. I wanted to play like him when I was growing up. My long time ambition is to play in Europe. I just hope I'll get that opportunity. "But for the time being, I am happy with my present club. I'll be loyal to them for the break they gave me." apassela@thenational.ae