- "The result is secondary", for Mamadou Kaly Ba, who attended his first match at the Vélodrome after a journey of more than 8,000 kilometers.
- This Senegalese supporter of OM tells us about this “moment of pure happiness” and great emotion.
The emotion is still alive, even three days later. Mamadou Kaly Ba's voice breaks when he tells us about his premiere at the Vélodrome, this Saturday, on the occasion of OM-Angers. This Senegalese fan of OM made more than 8,000 kilometers, via Germany and Austria, to attend this sad draw (0-0).
Why did you make such a journey?
It is true that I did more than 8,000 kilometers. The French embassy did not issue a visa, so I had to take a German course to do a language study trip to Europe. I tried to go to Germany, but it was also complicated with visas. Finally, I did with Austria.
It must have cost you dear…
I have been saving for a year to offer myself this dream. It cost me around 1,500 euros, but it could have been much more if I had not been hosted for free by FreeCouch4Fans and if supporters - whom I do not even know - had not offered me my ticket to the Vélodrome.
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- Ba Mamadou Kaly (@ BaMamadouKaly1) January 27, 2020It is not the first time that I have made great sacrifices for OM: I have already been dismissed from an internship because I had deserted work to go and see the OM leaders who were in Dakar.
Where does this passion come from?
My father transmitted this disease to me! It was our first topic of conversation, we were sad on days of defeat, happy on days of victory. When I cried after the poor performances, I said to myself that one day, I will go to the Vélodrome, to show that even thousands of kilometers away, we love OM.
And finally, you attend a purge against Angers… You are not too disappointed?
Not at all, the result is secondary. Every moment spent at the stadium was pure happiness. I immediately adapted to the atmosphere: the songs, the mood swings, the insults. I would have liked to show the OM fadas how I celebrate a goal… But this draw did not tarnish my happiness.
We imagine that you were very moved…
It was an incredible feeling, unheard of. I still have chills when I talk about it again. On the Velodrome stairs, I could no longer speak. I even had trouble climbing the last few steps, I couldn't feel my feet anymore. I dreamed of it so much! I was overwhelmed by memories, I thought of my father who did not have the chance to experience this ... (silence) I had goosebumps.
And as a bonus, you were able to meet Villas-Boas and Mandanda at the Commanderie. How was it ?
They were super nice. With Villas-Boas, we speak the same language because he has been a fan of Porto since childhood, like me with OM. I told Steve that I considered him one of the greatest French athletes, like Zidane, for example. Meeting them was the icing on the cake.
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