Guinea - Seydouba Cissé: "We are aware of the stakes, we want to return to the CAN"

Last season, we saw you shine on screen at Leganés with quite a lot of playing time. And at the end of the transfer window, you moved to Al-Kholood. How did that decision come about?

It may have surprised some people, but it was not an easy choice. Leaving Leganés after seven years of history there was not simple. I got promoted to La Liga with the club, I'm the third foreign player with the most games at the club, I was really happy there. I knew the city well, and of course the club too. It was like my family, or even my home... So when it came to making this decision, leaving was not easy. I talked it over with my family, we discussed it together and then we decided to go experience and learn something new elsewhere.

The choice fell on Al-Kholood because I really liked the club's project. When the club officials called me, we talked about the project, because the Saudi league has evolved and continues to progress a lot. I have friends who play in the Saudi Pro League, I watch the league from time to time, and there are also many stars here at this club who have had a lot of experience in Europe, who are still here, who give their all. So I was definitely excited to come here.

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Yet transfer rumors had you heading towards a European destination to further your progress...

Yes, there were rumors, but as soon as I started negotiations with Al-Kholood, the decision was made quickly. Being young, I asked for advice from my older brothers, but also from coach Paula Duarte. He had experience in Saudi Arabia, so he knows about Saudi football. He helped me a lot, we talked, he motivated me too. And I explained the project to him, he told me: "It's interesting, you're young, you have to go. Set yourself goals." I also talked to Naby Keïta, who is like a big brother, and to Amadou Diawara. Before making this personal decision, I really sought advice to be sure I was making the best choice.

“Physically, technically, the Saudi Pro League is a very high level.”

How is your adaptation to Saudi Arabia going?

Honestly, well. I did three weeks of training camp in Spain with the club. There are a few players I knew when I played against them in the Spanish second division. There is a lot of talent in my team, and there are many young players as well who are eager and want to learn. I'm one of them. This context has made adaptation easier, and I'm happy to be part of this great generation here at Al-Kholood. We worked hard during preseason and now we've started the league well, I hope we keep going this way and reach our goal of staying up.

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More and more players are being tempted by the Saudi Pro League. How does the level of the league compare to what you knew before?

The level is top. People here love football; they come to the stadium. Every supporter comes to support their club, there's atmosphere, and the matches are broadcast live almost everywhere in the world. There are quality facilities and quality players. Physically, technically, it's a very good level thanks to all these good players who have had experience in Europe, who have played in the biggest European leagues. Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Gabriel Martinelli... There's a lot of good football, and the atmosphere is great.

“We have a new chance to return to the AFCON and we must seize it.”

There are coaches who are reluctant to see players sign in Saudi Arabia. In your case, did Paulo Duarte and you talk about it, or were you totally free to decide? Also, before the senior team, you already played in the U23 AFCON with Guinea and you experienced AFCON 2023 too. What does that competition mean to you?

There was no problem with the coach, because he is one of those who encouraged me to join Saudi Arabia. So there is no issue with the national team selection, as long as I keep performing. At AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire, we had a great run with the guys. I was younger, so that AFCON allowed me to gain experience and maturity. That edition was the most beautiful. And AFCON is an opportunity to represent an entire country. It's a great pride.

Guinea missed the last edition in Morocco, which must have been frustrating...

Yes... Personally, it hurt. We had everything we needed to qualify, unfortunately the football gods decided otherwise. But it was also a great experience. Now we have a new chance to return to AFCON and we must seize it. We must do everything to start these qualifiers well and that starts with a good match in South Africa. Not an easy opponent to start with. But we are motivated and focused. We're here to win, and Inch'Allah, we'll get the three points.

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In fact, you're in a special group. There's a host country automatically qualified. So there's only one spot to take and South Africa is in it. Does that make this first game in South Africa already decisive in a way?

With that format, this match is even more important, for sure. So we're even more focused on preparing as best as we can. We still remember missing the last AFCON and we want to get back into the tournament. We are aware of the stakes and the importance of the match against South Africa. We know that on Saturday, everyone will give their all.

“ The Guinean crowd is amazing. We ask everyone to come to the stadium calmly and support the Syli National. ”

Afterwards, there’ll be the match against Kenya at home. And Guinea will finally play at home again after more than 4 years. What does that mean for you?

It’s something we’ve talked about a lot between players and officials. Honestly, the stadium's condition today is fantastic, and we’re happy to finally be able to play at home in front of our crowd, in front of the Guinean people. It’s a real joy and we can’t wait to be there and bring happiness to the Guinean fans. These last years we played a lot away because the stadium wasn’t approved. But that will soon be behind us. We need our supporters, because in football that counts a lot too. It’s those little details that also make the difference.

But the 28-September stadium is also known for the pressure the crowd can put on their own players. How will you handle that?

No (smiles), the atmosphere in Guinea is extraordinary, extraordinary! Since I started playing for the national team, I played one match in Guinea with the senior team, and honestly, the Guinean crowd is amazing. We ask everyone to come to the stadium calmly, support the Syli National, because we’re going to party in Guinea, we’re going to win in Guinea, and we’re going to make our crowd proud. We’re ready for that, and we’ll do it, Inch'Allah.