Big Haidara's big heart: RBL star opens a hospital in Mali
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 31.12.23. | 14:09
Malian international is making a real difference in his homeland
RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara is making a real difference during his short break before the start of the AFCON. His contributions will improve the quality of life in Mali.
On Saturday, the 25-year-old footballer will inaugurate a healthcare centre in Kela, his father's birthplace. Haidara has been in Mali for the past few days and was even received by the Minister for Youth, Sport, and Education on Wednesday. The construction of the hospital lasted over a year, and Haidara has entirely financed it through his own foundation.
🫶🇲🇱 Kela, Mali, Amadou Haidara offre un centre de santé d’une valeur de 36 millions
— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) December 30, 2023
Amadou Haidara, a été accueilli ce samedi 30 décembre en héros à Kela.
Dans cette localité située à un peu plus de 100 kilomètres de Bamako, ce n’est pas en vainqueur de coupe d’Allemagne… pic.twitter.com/0hM4SMBuqL
Haidara once mentioned to a German newspaper his desire to improve the healthcare system in his homeland.
"Health is an issue close to my heart. I am building a hospital in Kela, a city two hours away from the capital, Bamako. Until now, there were no facilities for initial medical care."
Additionally, during Bundesliga breaks, Haidara frequently organizes football camps for children and adolescents from socially disadvantaged families, with over 40 children having participated in the latest one.
"I want to give something back to my homeland. To become a professional, you need training grounds, sports equipment, and people to support you. That's why I had the idea last year to open this camp and give the boys an opportunity I didn't have before."
On 13 January, Haidara will resume his sporting commitments. He will represent Mali at the Africa Cup on Nation in Ivory Coast. The tournament lasts until 11 February, where Haidara's team will compete against Tunisia, South Africa, and Namibia. If they go all the way, he could miss up to six RBL games.
Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig and Mali national team) opens up a health center in his village. Wonderful gesture to help your community. Proud moment. pic.twitter.com/4bpvTjLd0a
— Steve Herbots (@HerbotsSteve) December 28, 2023
Interestingly, Haidara is not the only RB Leipzig player involved in social initiatives. For instance, goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi also organizes football camps for up to 40 children from socially disadvantaged families in his native Hungary, and he had further projects planned with a Hungarian foundation "Igazgyongy Alapitvany." Dani Olmo is also regularly involved in Spain with his football camps.
