Eddie Mungai

I first became introduced to the Lions of Teranga around 2005. A Senegalese family friend gave me a two-part DVD titled “Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2002: Tous les Buts” (2002 FIFA World Cup: All the Goals). I vaguely remember that tournament when it actually happened as my interest in football was not as fervent as it was three years later. But watching that DVD was like watching the tournament for the first time. Senegal’s magic run was quite the sight, and three players stuck out: Henri Camara, El Hadji Diouf, and Papa Bouba Diop.

I was enamored by THAT celebration against France, taking off his shirt and placing it on the ground while his teammates danced around it by the corner flag. Unbeknownst to me at the time, witnessing that combination of unity and achievement in that celebration alone was the first example of a successful African team in a major international tournament in my lifetime. Thanks to Papa Bouba Diop, I was hooked to African football.

Papa, you’ve lived a life. Gone too soon, yes, but you made a tremendous impact in my life. And to that, I say, repose en paix.