Having returned to Lomé following the conclusion of the Spanish La Liga season, Togolese international Djene Dakonam has embarked on a series of charitable initiatives aimed at supporting different segments of society. The Getafe defender, known for his dedication both on and off the pitch, has already visited orphanages to provide food and essential supplies and extended support to his family and former club, Jouventaux (now Juventus de Batome). Continuing his philanthropic efforts, Dakonam made a remarkable gesture toward Togo’s first division clubs by donating two sets of jerseys to each of the 14 top-flight teams for the 2018-2019 season this past Tuesday.
“I know Togolese football, I’ve played it, I’ve played in the Togolese league and I know what’s going on. They need support, equipment, and many other things. The spirit that motivated me to make this donation is to be with them, to support them, to encourage them to play well. I can say that it was with joy that I made this donation,” Dakonam said during the ceremony, which brought together the heads of all participating clubs.
The initiative was met with appreciation and admiration from local football authorities. André Degué, president of AS OTR, one of the recipient clubs, praised the defender’s selfless act. “This gesture touches us deeply; it was a very pleasant surprise for us to be invited to benefit from this donation. It’s so rare. Generally, players are interested in their youth club, but for a professional to decide to make this gesture towards all the first division teams is a gesture to be applauded. Most clubs in Togo have financial difficulties, which prevents them from being able to properly equip themselves,” Degué remarked.
Dakonam’s actions reflect a strong commitment to the development of football in his home country and to the welfare of its communities. By equipping all first division teams with much-needed jerseys, he is helping to address a challenge that many Togolese clubs face: inadequate resources and equipment. Beyond the material support, his gesture serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration for players and administrators alike, reinforcing the importance of solidarity within the footballing community.
The ceremony not only highlighted Dakonam’s generosity but also emphasized the broader role professional athletes can play in fostering growth and opportunity in their home countries. His contribution is expected to have a tangible impact on the league, allowing teams to focus on performance and development while alleviating some of the logistical and financial pressures they face.
Through these charitable initiatives, Djene Dakonam continues to demonstrate that his influence extends far beyond the football pitch, combining professional success with a commitment to giving back and uplifting Togolese football at every level. His support for orphanages, his family, former clubs, and now all first division teams underscores the breadth of his generosity and the positive example he sets for both peers and aspiring footballers in Togo.
