Player to Watch: Mali's Sissoko sets sights on Germany

Even while winning critical acclaim as a dynamic midfielder in Mali’s impressive Olympic side in Greece, Mohamed Lamine “Momo” Sissoko has just one wish – to play in the FIFA World Cup. The French-born Valencia man has had a whirlwind 12 months of success but he is in no doubt what the icing on the cake would be.

“Every night I dream of the same thing,” confesses the likeable 19-year-old. “What it would be like to play in the World Cup.”

Sissoko certainly has the talent to feature in the greatest footballing show on Earth. Tall, elegant on the ball and biting in the tackle, he possesses the complete game and has been a pivotal figure in Mali’s march to the knockout phase of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Athens.

“Almost without trying, he is capable of taking three men out with one pass,” enthused one football technician. “This boy could be something special.”

Born to Malian parents in Paris’ 19th Quarter, Sissoko first kicked a ball around with friends on the streets of the French capital. His talent was undeniable and news of it reached the long ears of the old fox Guy Roux, who was first on the scene to snap up the prodigious youngster. From 14, young Momo developed as a footballer in Auxerre’s tried and tested method.

“If I am here today, it is because of him,” he generously praised. “He told me there are three things you need to make it: discipline, hard work and luck. I have always carried that in mind.”

After winning rave reviews with the French club, the young teenager was suddenly confronted with two huge career-impacting decisions: a lucrative move to Spain and the chance to play international football for Mali. After some sage-like advice, the bold Sissoko took the plunge smiling.

“My parents are from Mali and I have so many brothers and sisters I cannot tell you how many there are,” he laughs, “so African blood runs powerfully in my family.”

And among the new friends of the Muslim, who loves to listen to hip-hop music, are Argentine Roberto Ayala and Spanish trio Santiago Canizares, Carlos Marchena and Francisco Rufete.

“I feel good in Valencia too. I have been warmly welcomed and now want to win a regular first-team spot.”

His brave decision has paid immediate dividends. With Sissoko featuring in about half their matches, Valencia had one of the club’s greatest years, winning the Spanish Liga and UEFA Cup. And at the start of the year the playmaker was also involved as Mali reached to the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations.

Things have not gone quite so well though in the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers. Drawn in a tough group alongside Senegal, Zambia, Congo, Togo and Liberia, Mali have managed one draw (home to Zambia) and suffered two losses (away to Congo and Liberia) in their three games so far, and are propping up Group 1.

For the player to fulfil his dream, the team will have to wake up, and fast.

“There’s nothing to be discussed. We have to win all our games from now on,” said Sissoko, who admitted to being shocked by the poverty in the West African nation. “The Malian people have a great passion for the game. Many are poor but they have the broadest smiles. It would mean so much if we could qualify.”

Sissoko’s skills will definitely be needed in their crunch clash at home to Senegal on 5 September. If they lose that one, the next six years of Momo’s sleep may have to be interrupted by visions of South Africa.

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