Mamour Ndiaye set to start for Saint-Etienne against Red Star

With Gautier Larsonneur unavailable, Mamour Ndiaye is set to start in goal for Saint-Etienne against Red Star.

Head coach Ian Cathro says the young Senegalese goalkeeper is ready, even though the opportunity has come sooner than expected.

Cathro highlighted Ndiaye’s previous experience in the Norwegian league and stressed that the club signed him because of his potential. He also acknowledged the need to support him through his first major opportunity.

“Mamour Ndiaye is a young goalkeeper with some real competitive experience in the Norwegian championship. The club backed him because he is a young player with strong potential, but you have to see both sides: the potential and his young age,” Cathro said.

“He needs to be supported, made comfortable, given confidence and prepared for this match. I think he is confident, and we are helping him build relationships with the team, which is very important in this role. I think he is ready to play and ready to help the team.”

The coach praised Ndiaye’s physical presence, speed and assertive style, saying those qualities convinced Saint-Étienne to sign him.

“It is coming a little earlier than we expected, but that is why we work: to bring players in when it is needed,” he added.

Cathro believes goalkeepers improve through experience and said the squad and staff must make Ndiaye feel supported.