Pro League: Ace Pikine begins a transition phase

Ace Pikine is fine-tuning his preparation before the start of the championship, scheduled for October 3. On Monday September 21, in Diamniadio, it lost by the smallest of margins (0-1) against Stade de Mbour, as part of the pre-season tournament “The Ground Dgpu Cup”.

Coach Massamba Cissé especially remembers what remains to be perfected. “The boys did what was necessary despite the difficulties linked to the preparation period. We were not decisive with missed opportunities. But we have to reassure them, continue to work and give them confidence, especially in front of goal,” he declared. The technician nevertheless draws a positive assessment of the preparation, which continues during an internship in Saly. According to him, the leaders have done what is necessary to have a competitive team. Ranked 9th for the last two seasons, Ace Pikine is firstly aiming to maintain it, but also aims to jump to the top of the ranking. “It will not be a question of sitting idly by and suffering,” warns Massamba Cissé.

The club has initiated a transition phase: bringing out new faces, giving playing time to young people and placing them in the U17, U20 or U23 national teams. “We are not very visible during this transfer window. We are rebuilding the team around young people so that, within 2 to 3 years, we can claim to win the championship,” he says. Six to seven veterans have left the club, replaced by gems unearthed in the lower divisions, sometimes even in academies. A strategic choice, dictated according to the coach by the economic logic of current football. “The champion team of Senegal only pockets 40 million in bonuses, while 3 players sold abroad can bring in 150 million. This is the difference between us and the academicians,” he explains, regretting that the sale of 6 to 7 players brings in so little for the club.