Kaba Diawara (born 16 December 1975 in Toulon, France) is a former footballer from Guinea. After starting his professional career in 1993 at Sporting Toulon Var, he quickly climbed the ranks by joining prestigious clubs such as the Girondins of Bordeaux, Arsenal and the Olympique de Marseille.
His career has led him to evolve in various championships, including England, Spain, Qatar, Turkey and Cyprus, testifying to his talent and ability to adapt. Now reconverted to coach, Diawara currently holds the position of coach of the national team of Guinea, a role in which he can pass on his rich baggage of experience gained during his long and successful career as a professional player.
Introduction
Kaba Diawara (born 16 December 1975 in Toulon) is a Guinean international footballer who plays as a football coach. His career as a professional player has been marked by many transfers and experiences in different countries, testifying to his talent and ability to adapt. Today, he holds the role of coach for the national team of Guinea, a position he has embraced with passion and determination.
Education
Although little is known about his academic career, it is clear that Kaba Diawara developed a passion for football very early. From an early age, he devoted much of his time and energy to this discipline, which enabled him to forge an undeniable talent and pave the way to the summit.
Professionnal career
Promising beginnings
Kaba Diawara began his professional career in 1993 with Sporting Toulon Var, a club then in the National (French third division). Despite his young age, he quickly demonstrated his potential by scoring 11 goals in two seasons. This performance earned him recognition by the Girondins of Bordeaux, with whom he signed in 1995.
It was during the 1996–97 season that Diawara really exploded on the national stage. At the age of 21, he played 29 games and scored 7 goals, making a significant contribution to his team's fourth place in the Premier League. This season confirmed his hopeful status in French football and allowed him to be selected to the team of France espoirs.
English and Marseille experiences
The following season, Diawara was loaned to Stade Rennais to acquire playing time. He scored a crucial goal for the club's retention in the last day, against Toulouse FC. This performance attracted the attention of Arsenal, which recruited him in January 1999 for about 3 million euros.
Under the auspices of Arsène Wenger, Diawara played a role as a replacement for Nicolas Anelka, contributing to Arsenal's vice Premier League champion. This English experiment was followed by a transfer to Olympique Marseille at the end of the season, for about 3.5 million euros.
Eventful journey
Unfortunately, his move to Marseille was short, with only one goal in 19 games. In January 2000, he was transferred to Paris Saint-Germain as part of an exchange with Jérôme Leroy. However, after 14 goals-free matches, the club successively loaned him to the Blackburn Rovers and West Ham.
Return to France and exotic experiences
In 2001, Diawara was loaned to Racing de Ferrol in Spain, where he found his way back with 5 goals in 15 games. The following season, he joined OGC Nice, promoted to Ligue 1. Under the leadership of Gernot Rohr, he became the club's top goalkeeper with 12 achievements, contributing greatly to the team's 10th place.
After a brief return to PSG, Diawara explored more exotic championships. He first played in Qatar, playing for Al Gharrafa Doha and Al Kharitiyath, before returning to France for Ajaccio at the request of Rolland Courbis, his former coach in Bordeaux.
Turkish and Cypriot experiences
In search of new challenges, Diawara then flew to Turkey, where he played for Gaziantepspor and Ankaragücü, making the right seasons. His journey then led him to Cyprus, to the Alki Larnaca, although his stay was shortened due to an injury and pay problems.
Return to France and retraining
In 2009, after a UNFP internship, Diawara joined AC Arles-Avignon in Ligue 2. He contributed to the club's promotion to Ligue 1 in his first season, before joining Racing de Ferrol in Spain the following year. It was there that he was named the championship's best player of the month of January, confirming his talent and leadership on the field.
After a rich career as a player, Diawara began his reconversion by becoming a chronicler for "The Specialists" on Canal+ and a consultant for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Prize list
In club :
- Champion of France in 1999 with the Girondins de Bordeaux
- Vice-champion of France in 2000 with Paris SG
- Vice-Champion of England in 1999 with Arsenal
- Finalist of the League Cup in 1997 with the Girondins of Bordeaux and in 2000 with the Paris SG
In the national Team of Guinea:
- 29 selections and 11 gaols beteewn 2004 et 2009
Distinction individuelle :
- Top scorer for OGC Nice in 2003 (12 goals)
International career
Despite a busy career, Kaba Diawara had the honour of holding the colours of the national team of Guinea 29 times between 2004 and 2009, scoring 11 goals at the pass. His experience and talent have been valuable assets for the Guinean national team, strengthening his status as an accomplished international.
Coach
In October 2021, Kaba Diawara was appointed coach of the national team of Guinea, succeeding Didier Six. This appointment was confirmed in December of the same year, marking the beginning of a new adventure for the former striker.
Despite a period of uncertainty regarding the duration of his contract in February 2022, Diawara expressed his desire to continue his mission as head of the Guinea national team. In April 2022, the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Guinea (CONOR) selected him from among four candidates for the position of selector.
Conclusion
Kaba Diawara is an emblematic character of Guinean and international football. His professional journey rich in experiences and challenges has shaped a versatile player, able to adapt to different environments and cultures. From his promising start in France to his experiences in England, Spain, Qatar, Turkey and Cyprus, Diawara has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.
Today, as coach for the national team of Guinea, he has the opportunity to pass on his expertise and leadership to the younger generations of Guinean footballers. His appointment demonstrates the confidence placed in him by the country’s governing bodies, and his experience in the field will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in guiding the selection towards further success.
Thro his career, Kaba Diawara has been able to meet challenges brilliantly, adapting to different cultures and styles of play. His club record, though modest, testifies to his ability to rise to the highest level and to contribute to the success of his teams. Similarly, his 29 national teams and 11 goals in the national team of Guinea reflect his commitment to his home country and his desire to proudly represent his colours.
From now on, Kaba Diawara has the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on Guinea football as a coach. His atypical journey and many experiences constitute an invaluable baggage that will enable him to guide young talents and shape a competitive and ambitious team.
Ultimately, Kaba Diawara is an emblematic figure of Guinea and international football, a player who has become a coach whose resilience, determination and adaptability have marked his course. His current role as coach gives him the opportunity to pass on his legacy and to contribute to the development of Guinean football on the international stage.
