Amitié FC president Demba Ba has reaffirmed his commitment to nurturing young talent, despite the club’s ongoing struggle to avoid relegation from Senegalese Ligue 2.
Currently sitting 15th and second from bottom in the standings, Amitié FC faces mounting pressure, but Ba remains focused on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
Speaking after his side’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Stade de Mbour on matchday 15, Ba emphasized the value of such challenges for his young squad.
“It’s already good for our players. They are children who are learning, and playing with adversity, like today, is a good thing for them. I am happy with the result, the point taken here was not easy,” he reflected.
For Ba, a former Senegalese international and Premier League star, the priority extends beyond merely staying afloat in the second division.
His broader vision centers on developing the next generation of Senegalese footballers, a mission that requires patience and a calm approach, even amid the threat of relegation.
“Maintaining is always our objective, because we try to develop qualities locally, here in Senegal. For that, we need time, serenity, and not to live in stress.
I think that the second division offers us this possibility. We must remain faithful to our objective of continuing to develop young people,” Ba explained.
Amitié FC has embraced an ambitious youth-focused strategy, fielding players as young as 15, born in 2009, a rarity in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.
Ba believes this approach is essential for laying the groundwork for the future of Senegalese football.
“Few teams in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 play with such young players. We are giving them this opportunity to try to build the Senegalese football of the future, without limiting themselves to immediate results,” Ba added.
This commitment to youth development reflects Ba’s long-term vision for Senegalese football. Having experienced the highs of a professional career in Europe, including stints with Chelsea and Newcastle United, he understands the value of strong grassroots systems.
Now, he’s channeling that knowledge into Amitié FC, aiming to create an environment where young players can thrive and eventually reach the highest levels of the game.
Yet, the balance between long-term planning and immediate survival remains delicate. With the club battling at the lower end of the Ligue 2 table, results are still crucial.
Ba acknowledges the importance of staying in the second tier but refuses to compromise on the club’s developmental philosophy.
The 1-1 draw against Stade de Mbour showcased both the potential and the growing pains of a youthful squad.
While the point earned was hard-fought, it highlighted the resilience Ba hopes to instill in his players—resilience that will not only serve them this season but also in the years to come.
As the season progresses, Amitié FC faces a tough road to safety. However, under Ba’s leadership, the club is positioning itself as more than just a team fighting relegation.
It is becoming a platform for the next wave of Senegalese talent, with a president who values growth over quick fixes.
“We’re building something for the future,” Ba reiterated. “It’s not just about this season—it’s about what comes after.”
