From his beginnings in local tournaments to his conquest of the Senegalese arena, including his international career, Le Soleil retraced the journey of the man who was called Mouhamed Ndiaye after his conversion to Islam and who died last Friday. Excerpts.

 

1. A legend dies

Mouhamed Ndiaye, known as Robert, died last Friday at the age of 83. He succumbed to a long illness. He was buried Saturday in Fadiouth, his native land. This giant of the Senegalese arena lived a discreet life.

 

2. “Hurricane Robert”

Born on February 3, 1942, in Fadiouth, Robert discovered wrestling at the age of 15. His tactical intelligence and speed quickly earned him the nickname "Hurricane Robert." Although he weighed less than 100 kg, he baffled his opponents with his technique and speed of execution.

 

3. From neighborhood tournaments to the Olympic Games

Robert Ndiaye combined spectacle, discipline, and respect for his opponents. Whatever the tournament. The Fadiouth native started out in local tournaments and conquered the Senegalese arena before shining in Africa and at the Olympic Games (1972 and 1976) under the colors of Senegal.

 

4. Conversion to Islam

Born into a Catholic family, Robert converted to Islam in 1977, adopting the first name Mouhamed. This spiritual shift reflects an important aspect of his personal life, often discreet but central to his values and discipline.

 

5. Rivals

Robert's greatest rivals were Double Less, sire of Balla Gaye 2, and Mbaye Guèye, the first Tiger of Fass. He fought historic battles against these two champions, both of whom are now deceased, between 1969 and 1975.

 

6. One million CFA francs

His fight against Mbaye Guèye, one day in 1973 at the Demba Diop stadium, reinforced his reputation and marked the beginning of the professionalization of wrestling. The two wrestlers each received one million CFA francs (a record at the time).

 

7. Impressive track record

Robert fought 137 matches, with 118 wins, 7 losses, and 12 draws. This was a time when a wrestler could enter the ring for several Sundays in a row.

 

8. International

Robert made his team's colors shine in the Senegalese arena, but at the same time, those of his country on the international stage. He is a two-time African medalist and represented Senegal at the Olympic Games in Munich (1972) and Montreal (1976).

 

9. Police and training

Alongside his career, Robert served in the police force, becoming a sports instructor at the National Police Academy. He helped popularize judo and self-defense, training many young wrestlers.

 

10. Manga 2, Yékini…

Robert was highly respected in the arena. He cared for his sons, Ablaye, Mamady, and Magnick, as well as Serer wrestlers such as Manga 2 and Yakhya Diop "Yékini." They held him in high esteem.