A former Chelsea striker has opened a multi-million dollar soccer school in a Senegalese town.
According to Wiw Sports, the former Chelsea striker invested 3 billion FCFA (about $4.5 million) in the opening of a football academy in a Senegalese community.
The academy will be constructed on a 10-hectare plot of land in Roff Village, a neighbourhood of Malicounda. The neighbourhood's youth centre and maternity ward will be established with assistance from the local government.
The 37-year-old just acquired Amitie FC, a second-tier squad in his home nation.
“I don’t know if you are aware, but yes I bought a club which is based in the Thies region and which plays in the second division,” Ba said as quoted by Ghana Sports Market. “It is this club that I am in the process of developing and these infrastructures will allow us to be able to achieve excellence. In football, if you want to reach the top level, you need good infrastructure.”
The former Senegal striker is keen on giving youngsters a chance to nurture their talent and stand a chance of playing professional football.
The villagers are happy with the initiative and the Malicounda Municipality has also chipped in to ensure the project is a success.
Demba Ba won the Turkish Supa Lig twice with different clubs – Besiktas and Istanbul Basaksehir.
As Ba turns his attention in shaping the future of Senegal youth, the Lions of Teranga are preparing for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.