Sporting Director of Casa Sports: Stéphane Badji wants to play his part in restoring the club to its place among the elite

Former Senegalese international and iconic figure at Casa Sports, Stéphane Badji has embarked on a new chapter in his career. Now the Sporting Director of his beloved club, the former international midfielder is fully committed to mentoring young players and rebuilding a team capable of competing at the highest level. Present in Saint-Louis for the Coupe du Nord tournament organized by Linguère, he also shared his thoughts on Patrick Vieira's appointment as manager of the Lions of Senegal.

After ending his international career, Stéphane Badji chose to remain close to Casa Sports. For him, this return to the club where he made his name was almost inevitable.

“Everyone knew me at Casa Sports. If today I decide to end my international career, I think I have a duty and a right to come and support my beloved club,” he explains.

"I get enormous pleasure from seeing young people flourish."

Moving from the field to the role of Sporting Manager is a new experience for the former international player. Far from regretting this change of position, Badji says he is particularly happy to contribute to the development of young players.

"I get a lot of pleasure from seeing young people flourish. Since last year, we have been working to try to create a team capable of achieving our goals," he emphasizes.

The new sporting director also emphasizes the identity of Casa Sports, which he hopes to help restore. "Those who know Casa Sports know that it's a club with a distinctive playing style. It's this identity that we're trying to renew in order to also bring back the confidence that once existed within the club," he continues.

The Saint-Louis tournament, an experience for young people

Casa Sports' participation in the tournament organized by Linguère de Saint-Louis also reflects a desire to expose young players to different styles and mentalities.

“We were the first to tell our president that we agreed to participate in this tournament. In the South, we are often with Essamaye FC and we cannot play amongst ourselves all the time,” explains the former Royal Sporting Club d’Anderlecht player.

For him, these encounters are particularly important in the training of young people. "This will allow our young people to learn how to connect with other clubs and to learn from different mentalities. They are still learning," he believes.

The former Senegalese international also appreciates the opportunity to face teams they might encounter during the season. "We will meet in the league. With the team we have, made up largely of young players, they will be able to get a feel for things before the start of the league," he adds.

Casa Sports wants to return to the forefront.

After two difficult seasons, Casa Sports is now looking to turn the page. Stéphane Badji has clearly stated the club's ambitions for the new season.

“As always, Casa Sports must play a leading role. Despite the difficulties we have experienced over the past two years, we tried to stabilize the club last year. This year, I think we will return to our rightful place and play a leading role,” he affirms.

The former international also commented on Patrick Vieira's arrival as head coach of the Senegalese national team. He urged the new coach to continue the work already done while bringing his own vision to the table.

“First, we must welcome him and ask him to continue the work that has been done. He will be in continuity, because we have a good group with young players who are shining in Europe,” says Stéphane Badji.

Despite the disappointment linked to the Lions' performance at the World Cup, the former midfielder prefers to already look to the future.

"He needs to keep making us dream. We had a bad World Cup campaign, but I think that happens. It's something that's behind us. Now we need to focus on the future," the former international concluded.