Djibril Fall, the coach of Génération Foot, has raised serious concerns about the safety of football pitches in Senegal following the distressing injury suffered by Idrissa Gueye during a recent match in the Senegalese Ligue 1. Fall expressed his frustration over the poor condition of the Mawade Wade stadium’s pitch, holding it partly responsible for Gueye’s injury.
In a candid statement, Fall lamented the inadequate standards of the playing surface, questioning the diligence of those responsible for scheduling matches and maintaining football facilities.
He emphasized the need for greater scrutiny and investment in ensuring the safety of players, highlighting the significant impact that subpar pitches can have on their well-being and careers.
“We cannot play professional football in these conditions,” Fall asserted, echoing the sentiments of many who have witnessed the challenges posed by inferior pitch conditions
. He underscored the severity of Gueye’s injury and its direct correlation to the state of the pitch, emphasizing that such incidents could be prevented with proper maintenance and oversight.
Fall went on to compare the conditions at the Mawade Wade stadium to those at the Deni Biram stadium, Génération Foot’s home ground, suggesting that the latter offers a superior playing surface.
However, he lamented that league regulations prohibit them from utilizing their preferred venue, further exacerbating the challenges faced by teams in ensuring player safety and well-being.
The coach’s outspoken criticism has sparked conversations about the importance of investing in football infrastructure and upholding stringent standards to safeguard the welfare of players.
As the football community grapples with these issues, Fall’s impassioned plea serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for action to address the shortcomings in pitch conditions across Senegal.