Mane Sidesteps the Online Pitch…

Hold onto your vuvuzelas! Senegal’s very own Sadio Mane, the legendary shooting star that graced Liverpool’s galaxy alongside Mo Salah, has decided to bench himself for the friendly against England. After becoming the grand marshal in the parade of online trolls, Mane has asked for a break. Like a seasoned pro tiptoeing through a minefield of criticism, Mane is side-stepping the digital chaos that followed the World Cup qualifiers like a cat avoiding a puddle.

The friendly clash at City Ground in Nottingham will happen without the Mane magic as coach Pape Thiaw, with a sigh that echoed louder than a stadium roar, granted Mane’s wish to miss not one, but two matches. That’s right, his boots will stay laced up in his locker for the Republic of Ireland rumble and the English showdown. Meanwhile, Mane’s club adventures skitter along, with a Saudi Pro League ticket-to-ride potentially tucked beneath his sleeve, ready for stamping at any new destination daring enough.

Sadio Mane isn’t just any player, he’s the golden fleece amidst the flock in African football. He’s the bloke who’s worn the Senegal jersey 113 times while flinging 45 goals at the net. Now, with august wisdom, Augustin Senghor of the Senegalese Football Federation whispers that perhaps this twist in the Mane saga is a daisy in the dungheap—an opportunity for new players to shine under the spotlight as one of their greatest bows out temporarily. So go ahead, critics, find a new piñata—because Mane’s off doing step-overs right past your remarks!