Olympique Marseille (OM) has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with the Diambars Institute, a prestigious football school based in Saly, Senegal, the club announced on Sunday (December 8th). The agreement is concluded for three years, "But I think it will last well over three years", told AFP the president of OM, Jacques-Henri Eyraud.
In addition to exchanges of educators and methods between the Ligue 1 club and the Senegalese training center, the contract provides for "A priority option on two Diambars players" each season, told AFP the president of the Senegalese center, Saer Seck. "It's an open priority, but Jacques-Henri knows that if OM wanted three or four, we would be around the table to find a solution"added Mr. Seck, also president of the Senegalese League (LSFP).
For OM, this partnership is strategic and forms part of one of the pillars of "The second part of our project, which includes training and post-training". "It takes a while, we are well aware of it. We do not expect a short-term miracle of such an approach, but I can promise to give all our energy to identify young talents "said the president of OM.
A player at PSG
The negotiations with Diambars began in June 2017. "It's probably the best center in Africa"assures Mr. Eyraud, whose club has also approached the schools of Brasseries of Cameroon or Paradou in Algiers.
Mr Seck describes the partnership as "An exchange platform" : "OM are the most African club, for the city's historic relationship with Africa, but also for all African players who have been through OM. " For Diambars, «It was the right moment: after sixteen years of independent existence without partnership, it was time for us to open ourselves to the professional world»said Seck.
Born in 2003 from the will of former footballer Jimmy Adjovi-Boco, the Diambars host a free 120 residents from 12 to 19 years. The institute also has a professional team, FC Diambars, champion of Senegal in 2013. Its most beautiful jewel is the middle of Paris-Saint-Germain, Idrissa Gana Gueye, "Who unfortunately does not wear the jersey of OM"joked Mr. Seck.
