Sidi Bane Eager to make his mark at RC Lens following lengthy visa delay
Senegalese defender Sidi Bane has officially joined French club RC Lens after a protracted visa issue forced him to remain in Dakar for a month, delaying the finalization of his contract. The former Bate Borisov player, who signed with the Blood and Gold this week, is eager to contribute to the team’s resurgence in both French and European football.
Bane, who arrived in France after securing his visa last week, expressed his frustration over the delay, which kept him from joining the team’s pre-season preparations.
“It was very complicated to be stuck in Dakar waiting for a visa to join my club, while the team started its pre-season,” Bane shared in an exclusive interview with Africafoot.
“The club sent me a training program that I followed in Senegal. But it was not enough for me.
I just arrived at the club, so it was important to train with the group. Now that is behind me. I am here, I am working to meet expectations.”
The 23-year-old defender’s choice to join RC Lens was influenced by the club’s rich history, particularly its strong ties to Senegal.
Bane noted the legacy left by Senegalese football legends such as Elhadj Ousseynou Diouf, Ferdinand Coly, and Jules François Bocandé, who all made significant contributions to Lens during their careers.
“I made the right choice among all the contenders,” Bane said. “RC Lens is a club with a great history.
It is a club that gives young people a chance and supports them in their progression.
A club that has very passionate supporters, always behind the team and the players. Every footballer wants to experience that.
And the other thing is that it is a club that has a special history with Senegal. Many of my elders played here. I want to write my story here, like them.”
Bane’s journey to Lens began at Union Sportive de Pire Goureye, a local club in his hometown, where he developed the skills that eventually led him to Bate Borisov in Belarus.
Now, at RC Lens, he is determined to make an impact and help the team return to its former glory in European football.
“The goal is to meet the expectations of the club, the supporters. They trusted me, it’s up to me to give my best to help the team play the leading roles.
Win trophies, play in European competitions,” Bane stated, reflecting his ambitions.
RC Lens, known for its passionate fan base and storied history, has struggled to regain its footing in recent years.
The club was eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League last season and finished 7th in Ligue 1.
However, with new signings like Bane, Lens is aiming to reclaim its position as a powerhouse in both French and European football.
“That’s good timing,” Bane remarked. “RC Lens wants to regain its former place in French and European football.
This season, the club wants to return to Europe.”
As Bane settles into his new club, he carries with him the hopes of both RC Lens fans and the Senegalese football community, eager to see another one of their own shine on the European stage.
