Despite the passage of time, Mamadou Diallo’s vitality remains exactly the same. Combative by nature, the man who finished as top scorer in the American MLS in 1999/2000 has now carved out a place for himself in the beach soccer landscape.

“It’s a wonderful family and there’s a lot of respect between everyone involved,” he said. “I think all of us want to bust the myth of beach soccer playing second fiddle to 11-a-side football. They’re different sports. Try it and you’ll love it.”

For the Senegal coach, the love affair with beach soccer began in the summer of 2005. Then recently retired, the 46-times-capped Senegal international threw himself into the new discipline.

“I didn’t want to sit around and be idle,” he explained. “So, in the mornings, I’d join a group of friends to play football on the beautiful beaches of my native Dakar. Gradually I got a taste for it and got formally involved, which led to my representing Senegal at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in 2007, where we were runners-up to Nigeria. That’s when I really made the transition.”

In this new discipline, the man known to those close to him as ‘Seybani’ really blossomed. “I could talk to you forever about beach soccer and its intricacies,” he said. “Obviously I’m in a good position to do this as I’ve experienced both disciplines, and I can say that playing on sand requires much more rigour and humility from a player.”

It is unsurprising to learn that rigour and humility are the main watchwords for the man who was assistant coach for Senegal at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ in 2021, where they made the semi-finals. Now in charge of the team, Mamadou Diallo has set himself the goal of winning the first title for an African country at a senior FIFA tournament.

What can we expect from Senegal in Dubai?
Mamadou Diallo: That semi-final spot [in 2021] whetted our appetite, so we want to go further this year. We won’t be underestimating anyone, but we know our worth and that we’re capable of doing great things and making history in our sport. However, we’ll need to remain focused, united and think about [what it means to] our people. Beach soccer is currently a valued sport in Senegal. Its standing is the result of hard work that every member of this squad has contributed to. When I look at my players and listen to their beach soccer backstories, as well as the love and passion they have for the game, I think that their sacrifices deserve the ultimate reward.

Your captain, Al Seyni Ndiaye, said that beach soccer had instilled a winning mentality in Senegalese teams. Would you agree with him?
I totally agree with him. What more can I say about that? (laughs) Within our discipline, we’ve won seven Africa Cup of Nations titles and played at nine Beach Soccer World Cups, where we’ve graced quarter-finals and even a semi-final. Our expertise is well documented. Many coaches from other footballing disciplines have approached us, asking for the secrets of our success. Given the fine results enjoyed by Senegalese football since our compatriots were crowned at the 2021 AFCON, it would be fair to say that we’re good advisors (laughs).

You were a pretty robust striker in your day, a goal poacher who always making forward runs and looking for the ball. It’s often said that this Senegal team is in your image. To what extent is that true?
I recognise myself in them! I used to be inconsolable after a bad performance, when neither my coaches nor my loved ones could cheer me up. My lads are the same – they hate defeat and take no pleasure if they don’t win. I’m not going to lie: as a coach and a former player with a certain temperament, I like that state of mind. Communication is easier. Without it, we wouldn’t have such good results.

What do you enjoy most about beach soccer?
You can’t cheat on sand. You have to be physically, technically and above all mentally prepared, because contact with your opponent is more direct. It’s a sport that requires a great deal of thought. There’s never a dull moment in beach soccer. Since I’ve been in this sport, I’ve never lost interest while watching a match, because games are always high intensity, which makes it very appealing.

Looking ahead to next month’s Beach Soccer World Cup. Senegal have been drawn in Group C along with Belarus, Colombia and your tormentors at the last edition, Japan. What’s your view of the group?
It’s not an easy group. Belarus are in good form at the moment, but we’re particularly interested in Japan, who beat us 5-2 in that 2021 semi. That defeat was a wound that has been hard to heal, so the boys can’t wait to see them again. And let’s not forget debutants Colombia. Teams like them, who are taking part in a competition of this calibre for the first team, often arrive with the bit between their teeth. The Colombians sure to be giving it their all. It’s in their character as South Americans, and they won’t be giving up.