Gambia and Bayern Munich rising star Mamin Sanyang has spoken about how the Senegal superstar has helped with his development at the Bavarian outfit.
The versatile right-sided player moved to Germany as a refugee at the age of 10 and after stints at the academies of Heidenheim and Hoffenheim, joined Bayern in 2020 at the age of 17 and currently plays for the reserve team.
Sanyang spoke highly of Mane and described him as one of his heroes.
“Bayern have given me the chance to train with the first team,” he told FIFA+. “I’ve been able to see how the pros are, how they play and train.
“Mane spoke to me and gave me some advice. Sadio is one of the best players in the world. He’s modest and he’s one of my heroes.
“It was great to sit next to him and to talk to him in Mandinka, because he speaks my language. He explained a lot of things to me: how to be a professional, how to improve on the pitch. I was like a kid. It was like a dream.”
Sanyang is part of the Gambia U-20 team that is currently at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina. They begin their campaign against Honduras in Group F in Mendoza on Monday and the Brikama-born player says it is an honour to play for the country of his birth having represented Germany at U-19 level.
“Playing at this World Cup is huge for me because not many players my age have the chance to do that,” he said. “I feel great and I’m happy to be here.
“It’s a great honour for me. The national association and the coach have put their faith in me, and I want to repay them and take the country forward.”
Gambia qualified for the U-20 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and ultimately finished as runners-up, losing 2-0 to neighbours Senegal in the final.
