After Armando at the Abidjan Academy (drowning), Abdoul Nef at the Algiers Academy (car accident) and Mamadou Dabo in Bamako (leukaemia), it is the turn of the Cairo Academy to be bereaved.
I never thought that one day I would find myself writing this type of text, writing about the death of a player whose daily life I shared for a little more than six years. But it is unfortunately the terrible news that has just hit all the people who were close to TAHA, player of the 2nd Class of the Cairo Academy.
He was a fine and racy player, but unfortunately aware too early that he had to play football to support his family. He was never able to play “freely”, just for fun, so much so that his success was an obligation in a country where survival is a challenge.
And, despite this enormous burden, I never saw him in a bad mood or angry ; no, never. But he was often worried…
He was greatly appreciated by all the classes, every one of his classmates loved and respected him for what he had had to overcome even before he set foot on the field.
A kind and selfless person in life, he was much loved by the players of the 3rd and 4th classes, so much so that his role as a “protective big brother” was close to his heart.
Finally, I would just like to say how happy and proud I am to have crossed and shared his life, to have been able to exchange with him.
I know the immense sorrow that his family and friends must feel, but I also know that we will only keep good memories of TAHA !
Rest in peace TAHA“.
Written by Mustapha Kharoubi Director of the Cairo Academy
