Senegal Community
Friday 13th April
Coventry's Senegalese community prepare for play-off
The Teranga Lions will be cheered on by members of Coventry’s Senegalese community in their crunch play-off against Oman at the City of Coventry Stadium.
Senegal are preparing to face Oman in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament qualification game on Monday, April 23 at 7.45pm.
Spectators who originate from both countries will be cheering on their nations from the stands in Coventry including Abdoulaye Ngom and Ouli Fall.
Abdoulaye, aged 32, travels to Willenhall in Coventry twice a month to visit friends from his home in London while 37-year-old Ouli lives in Hillfields in the city with her three-year-old daughter Amie.
Manchester United fan Abdoulaye said he would be going to the play-off game with friends.
“Senegal is a team with good players and they have something to prove,” he said. “I like watching Demba Ba and Cisse play for Newcastle on television but they can’t play in this game because of the age restrictions in the tournament.
“I like football and it would be fantastic if Senegal could qualify for the Olympics.”
He added: “In Senegal it was great to be with my family but I have been in the UK for two years and, apart from the cold weather, this is a good place to live. It is a totally different way of life in Senegal – it is much harder and tough for people.”
Ouli said she found Coventry to be a very friendly and welcoming city.
“It is difficult to compare Senegal and Coventry because the differences are so vast,” she said.
“I have found Coventry to be a caring place and in Senegal there isn’t as much freedom as there is here.
“Coventry people are very friendly and helpful and if you have a problem, someone will help.
“I am looking forward to the Olympic Games – I enjoy watching handball and basketball.
“I think it will benefit tourism because it will bring many more visitors to the UK and boost business. It will be a great summer.”
Tickets for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifier at the City of Coventry Stadium are available by logging on to www.theticketfactory.com/footballtournamentqualification or by telephoning 0844 338 800 and from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by telephoning 0844 277 0700.
Hospitality packages for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualification Play-Off Match are available from £20 and can be purchased by calling 0844 873 6323 or emailing loft@ccfc.co.uk
Tickets are available for the London 2012 Olympic Football Tournament, including matches at the City of Coventry Stadium. These tickets will go back on sale in late April or early May. View the full competition schedule by visiting www.tickets.london2012.com
More information on hospitality packages for Olympic Football matches at the City of Coventry Stadium is available by emailing loft@ccfc.co.uk
