Jodana Expands African Footprint with Kalaban FC Alliance
Jodana Sports Management seals partnership with Mali's Kalaban FC
By Kayiira Jackson
Jodana Sports Management has expanded its footprint in African football after securing a partnership with Malian third-division side Kalaban FC to oversee the management, marketing and transfer of the club’s players.
The partnership is aimed at identifying, developing and facilitating opportunities for Kalaban FC’s young talents in leagues across Africa before helping them secure moves to bigger competitions in Europe.
Jodana Sports Management Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ntale revealed that the agreement was reached following a visit to Mali three months ago.
“I visited Mali three months ago and made a partnership with Kalaban FC, which competes in the third division of Mali’s football structure,” Ntale said.
He explained that under the agreement, Jodana Sports Management will take charge of managing the careers of all Kalaban FC players, the majority of whom are under the age of 20.
“In this partnership, it is Jodana’s responsibility to manage all their players. The club has a young squad, with most players under 20 years of age. We want to give them a platform in African leagues before taking them to better leagues. They have great potential, and we want to help develop them so they can eventually earn opportunities in Europe,” he added.
The partnership has already produced its first beneficiaries, with Hamza Niangadou and Mamadou Toure becoming the first Kalaban FC players to begin their journey under Jodana’s management.
The duo has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, where they are preparing for their first professional trials. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Jodana Sports Management scout John Ssentongo, marking the beginning of what the agency hopes will be successful professional careers.
The agreement represents another step in Jodana Sports Management’s ambition to strengthen its presence in player representation across Africa while creating pathways for emerging talent to access opportunities on the continent and beyond.