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Al Ahli star striker Alan Dioko, or the deadly finisher as his fans like to call him, was born on 2nd January 1987 in the capital of the Congo, Kinshasa. In 2004, he joined AS Vita Club and stayed with them for two years before moving to the Oil rich Club of TP Mazembe. Whilst there, he had the chance to play with the golden generation of Mazembe. It was whilst he was with Mazembe that he rose to stardom, especially after winning the Golden Boot. He was also part of the team who qualified from Africa to take part in the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup. |
This was the first big step for the powerful forward, as he found himself on the world’s stage. He scored the second goal in the semi-final of the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup, where TP Mazembe defeated Internacional of Brazil 2-0 to become the first team outside Europe and South America to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final. He was awarded the Silver Ball at the tournament.
Various offers started flooding and Dioko took his time before choosing to sign up with Al Ahli Club of Doha, Qatar. Dioko achieved great success in the league and last season won the accolade of top scorer of the Qatar Stars League with 22 goals.
Here are excerpts from an interview with QSL Online where Dioko speaks about a glittering career and the secret to his all-conquering from.
Firstly, could you tell us about the golden generation at Mazembie in 2009, and can it be considered the best team in your career?
There are many factors that combined to weave such a team, with brilliant players in all positions; the combination of the players, the high level of technical ability, the style and flair, the physical characteristics, the desire to win. The desire to get positive results and the team spirit between us was something special; also we can’t forget the technical and administrative apparatus of the team.
It was a really golden period that was recorded in the history of the team and it will never be forgotten by anyone who participated in this achievement.
How did you feel when you were being awarded the Silver ball award for the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup?
It was a strange and unbelievable feeling, because it felt like I achieved a dream that I had been chasing for a long time. Now I have become well- known all over the world after winning some awards and even before that, when I won the golden boot award for scoring 8 goals in the CAF.
After winning these awards, you have gotten many offers, but you preferred Al Ahli’s offer, was it the best one?
It is normal for players to get such tempting offers, especially after doing an excellent job in both local and international competitions. Clubs are looking to strengthen their teams.
In fact I have received many offers that I carefully read, but I decided to join Al Ahli club because of its good reputation not only in Qatar but also in the gulf region. In addition, I had a great desire to join Qatar Stars League which is really a dream for all players in the world these days.
You joined Al Ahli back in 2011 and that season you scored only 12 goals, which was not enough. What do you say about that?
We had a hard and tough season, we couldn’t impose our style of play and we lost several matches which affected our confidence. Our team now has better players and this is why you can also see an improvement in my performances. After all football is a team sport.
I needed time to get used to the team and the league and the weather condition, I think that the number of goals that season was reasonable and good bearing in mind the fact that it was my first season with the team.
Then you moved to Al Kharaitiyat on loan for the 2012-2013 season, and you only scored 8 goals.
That season, I have suffered some injuries which affected my playing style and my scoring of goals as well.
However, I enjoyed my time with Al Kharaitiyat Sports Club which had a group of players who were pretty good and dedicated to the team.
Then you moved back to Al Ahli Sports Club for the 2013-2014 season, how did you manage to achieve all of those goals? And what changes have you been through?
There are no secrets in soccer. Both hard work and commitment make you achieve the aim you wish for.
Al Ahli Sports Club has a number of excellent players who are equipped with a fighting spirit with the aim of winning.
The group atmosphere and the good facilities are also part of the reason we have improved.
And what part did Máchala play in this successful period?
Máchala is a very clever and skilful couch, he knows how to manage the younger players and he has a distinctive style when dealing with team. Frankly its very nice. He shares with them everything even small details. His huge experience is absolutely obvious on the progress of the team. He is humble and polite at the same time. He is also very good in analysing the technical and physical data as well as preparing for the matches.
What does it mean to be top scorer?
I’m very happy with this title and it’s a great honour for me to have been the top scorer in the QSL. This is not easy to do especially with so many good players who have come from all overall the world. So, the title of “top scorer” didn’t come from just me alone, but it’s the result of a group effort, which includes officials, players and coaches.
And what about Qatar stars league?
We all live in Qatar without any restrictions or pressure. All facilities are available such as the high quality football stadiums and the good organisation of the league by the QSL management. Also, there are a group of very good local and international players that inspire the players to achieve more.
What about the World Cup in Qatar?
Everybody should know that Qatar will organise one of the best World Cups. It’s also going to leave a long-term positive impact on the country and internationally. It is also going to be an example to others about organizing international events after 2022.
Any last words?
I would like to thank you for your good hospitality and for this exciting conversation which brought me back to the beautiful days of my early career.
