Covid19 and sport: “we have resumed training timidly” confides Algassimou Diallo, general secretary of FC Lelou

The coronavirus has also left its mark on the sporting world. Unsurprisingly, football has not escaped the covid-19 epidemic. Guinean football does not have a good press, in addition to the failures which have always existed in the smooth running of the championship. Asked about how his club, Lelou FC, experienced the consequences of covid-19, the club's general secretary, Algassimou Diallo, reviewed the team's situation and the prospects that lie ahead as soon as the resumption becomes effective. It is imperative to resume football activities slowly and regularly, but with strict precautions to avoid each other and teammates from the virus. Interview.

Universciences: since the appearance of the coronavirus in Guinea, all sporting activities have been prohibited. Tell us how you spent this time?

Algassimou Diallo:in fact the championship was stopped, all sporting activities too, it had a strong impact on us. The players, for them to be in shape, they have to train; they have to be competitive. So the players weren’t training; without training, without football, the city is paralyzed in a way.

Universciences: now that you are authorized to resume your activities. What are the recovery measures?

AD:it means respecting hygiene measures. You saw me with my mask. It is essential to wear a mask, wash your hands regularly with soap and water or with hydroalcoholic gel, and stay 1.5 meters away from your loved one.

Universciences: your players have not trained for more than 6 months. What measures have you taken to protect and prevent players from possible injury?

AD:As for the players, we have resumed training timidly. You don't have to start charging straight away, you have to go step by step to avoid injuries. But in case of injury, we already have our doctor who will take care of it.

Universciences: How did you maintain your players and their staff during this period?

AD:we talked to them morally first. Financially in a way. The technical staff, we meet from time to time to try to see how to resume when covid-19 stops. Due to lack of work, we have no activities, but we have to pay the players and the technical staff. To fulfill our obligations towards them, we discussed with them, finding a consensus; because the situation was very hard. We paid them even if it was half.

Universciences: can you tell us some economic losses?

AD:I can't quote it to you. Only that if you don't work, it's a loss. Our job is football, it’s the pitch. It’s when we receive matches that we have revenue; but these are not in place, we cannot operate.

Universciences: what alternatives have you taken to avoid going bankrupt?

AD: we took several alternatives. First of all, it’s being able to have internal discussions and make perspectives. Because you know, we are still living in the time of covid-19. So, it is not excluded that we will be confined again. This is what we do not want. We took prospects, the players we are going to take this time, we are going to try to maintain them financially and then we are going to take competitive players. Our goal is to move up to League 1 this season.

Comments collected by Fanta BARRY

Decryption of Amadou Dari DIALLO