Back from the African Nations Cup, Charles Kaboré played in defence against Lille. Whatever the position, the Burkina Faso international has the ambition to defend the colours of OM.
Over the last two weeks, Charles Kaboré has had the honour of representing his country during the African Cup of Nations in Angola. A competition which, before even starting, had drawn attention to itself with the terrorist attack on the bus of the Togo national team. «We were just 30 kilometres away from the zone where it happened. We were expecting to hear shots at any moment» says the Burkina Faso midfielder who prefers not to dwell on this incident and focus on the matches. In a three team group after the withdrawal of Togo, Charles Kaboré played two matches, gaining just one point which was not enough to continue the adventure. «We didn’t go very far in the ACN, it’s a shame. Against the Ivory Coast, we played as a block behind the ball and managed to get a draw. We were playing for a draw against Ghana, who were looking for a win, it was a lot more difficult for us. We didn’t know whether we should attack or defend. We conceded a goal and were not able to equalise».
Despite the disappointment of the elimination, and between the return to Europe and the fact that he played, Charles, who always has a smile on his face, is taking things in a good light. «It’s always great to play two matches in a row for your country. Just like seeing childhood friends. We came through the system together and worked our way through the echelons of the national side together as well. They are friends and it is always great to see them. I brought them OM jerseys».
Away for almost a month, Charles Kaboré got back into training with OM on Saturday the 23rd of January. During the African competition, he followed his team-mates performances via internet. At the start of the season, it was from the bench that he followed them. «It’s difficult to be in the stands. You have to have a good mentality to be able to progress. I’ve been here two years and have had some good times and some bad times, but I can’t complain. I want to keep o working and progressing ».
Against Lille, even though he was barely back from Africa, he was on the pitch from the starting whistle. In the team on the right of the defence, he «tried to bring as much as he could to the team by defending well and putting in good crosses. It’s not my favourite position but I’m hoping to adapt quickly ».
A midfielder by trade, he has often been used on the right of the defence. «Midfielder or fullback, I am here to serve the team and will always respond present. It’s good to be polyvalent, it increases my level of play and my time out on the field ».
While waiting for Gabriel Heinze to recuperate and retake his place at left back, allowing Laurent Bonnart to move back to the right flank, Charles Kaboré should be occupying this position against Montpellier on Saturday night. «It will be a difficult match as Montpellier play good aggressive football » he concludes.
