Two time African footballer of the year El Hadji Diouf has set foot in Uganda. The 44 year old arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Saturday morning at the invitation and organisation of close friend, renowned Ugandan musician Edriisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo and FUFA.
Upon arrival, Diouf was warmly received by Kenzo, Uganda Cranes legends Tony Mawejje and Hassan Wasswa, as well as FUFA’s head of communications, Ahmed Hussein who represented the FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
Speaking to the media, Diouf expressed his excitement about his visit and emphasised his commitment to the growth of African football.
‘I am happy to be here and I thank my brother Kenzo for the invitation. I am here to inspire young talent and discuss various aspects of football development. I am African and I want to see African football grow. I recently watched Uganda play against Algeria and saw a lot of promising talent’ Diouf stated.
Diouf’s day programme with include joining the the dignitaries at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo to watch the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier between Uganda’s Teen Cranes and Kenya’s Young Starlets.
On Sunday, he is scheduled to meet the Uganda U17 national team (Cubs), currently in a residential camp at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru as they prepare for the upcoming AFCON U17 tournament in Morocco.
Additionally, he will hold discussions with key football stakeholders, including his close associate, FUFA President.
Diouf remains one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, remembered for his contributions to Senegal’s golden generation of the early 2000s. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Lions of Teranga to the 2002 AFCON final and the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
At the club level, Diouf featured for several teams, including Sochaux, Rennes, Lens, Bolton Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, and English giants Liverpool FC.
His four-day visit, organised by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), will also include a tour of Big Talent Soccer Academy, a project founded by Eddy Kenzo.
Pictorial
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
El Hadji Diouf watched the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo with FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and Eddy Kenzo
The FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim together with El Hadji Diouf and Musician Eddy Kenzo watched the Uganda U17 Men’s National Team (Cubs) as they played against Bukedea Comprehensive School on Sunday 9th March 2025 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru. The Cubs won 1-0.
