CAF Cup: Aliou Kara Kandé, president of the USC football section: "From a sporting perspective, we are ready to participate in the CAF Cup, but…"

One week after their historic victory in the Senegalese Cup against Diambars, Université Sporting Club de Saint-Louis, which plays in National 1 (the third division), has high ambitions. Having qualified for the next CAF Confederation Cup, the student club says it is ready to represent Senegal with pride on the continental stage. This is certainly the conviction expressed by Aliou Kara Kandé, president of the USC football section.

According to the Saint-Louis leader, the performances achieved this season demonstrate that the team possesses the necessary qualities to compete with the best African teams.

“From a sporting perspective, we are ready. After beating great teams like Génération Foot, US Gorée or Casa Sports, no one can say that we are not capable of representing Senegal. We say this with great humility,” he declared.

However, Aliou Kara Kandé points out that participation in the CAF Cup does not depend solely on sporting results. The final decision rests with the authorities of Gaston Berger University (UGB), the institution to which the club belongs.

"I cannot speak on behalf of the University. USC is first and foremost a component of a larger institution. It is therefore up to the university to officially comment on this matter," he stated.

The president of the football section believes, however, that financial resources should not be a major obstacle. In his view, UGB has many strengths that could facilitate the mobilization of resources and partners.

“The university is a state institution. I think it has the capacity to find the necessary resources. Even if the financial question arises, it is easier for a university to seek local or international partners,” he explained.

Aliou Kara Kandé particularly emphasizes the brand image of UGB, recognized as one of Senegal's leading universities. With a community of over 35,000 people, primarily composed of tech-savvy young people, the institution, he believes, represents an attractive visibility opportunity for businesses.

"Large companies based in Saint-Louis, as well as those with a national or international presence, would benefit from partnering with UGB. It is a guarantee of credibility and an opportunity to communicate with a large academic community," he argued.

The student club's leader also does not rule out support from the Senegalese government. He believes that USC's participation in the CAF Cup would perfectly align with the national policy of promoting sports-study programs.

"The majority of our players are students. Supporting the Sporting Club University in a continental competition also means supporting the sports-study policy promoted by the State," he stated.

For Aliou Kara Kandé, all the conditions seem to be in place for USC to embark on this African adventure. All that remains is to obtain approval from the university authorities to make this ambition a reality.

"If the authorities are ready and the necessary steps are taken, all the ingredients are in place for USC to represent Senegal in the CAF Cup," he concluded.