Senegalese star opens up on life in Cadiz as an African amid lack of game time

Senegalese defender Mamadou 'Momo' Mbaye has admitted to enduring a "difficult" season at Cadiz due to a lack of regular playing time.

The 25-year-old central defender was speaking at the recent LaLiga African Forum, where he fielded a question from Pulse Sports Nigeria about his experiences living in the Spanish city as an African player.

"Cadiz is a place I really like," Mbaye said. "This year it's been a bit difficult as I haven't been playing much compared to the previous year.

"But you know it's like that in football sometimes. Sometimes, it can seem unfair but all I can do is continue to work."

After making 14 LaLiga appearances last season, including seven starts, Mbaye has managed just four league outings in the current campaign - with only two of those being starts.

The former Senegal youth international, who has eight caps for his country at youth level, last featured for Cadiz in their 2-0 defeat to Osasuna back on December 10.

However, Mbaye insists he will keep his head down and continue fighting for more opportunities as Cadiz, who are 18th in LaLiga, prepare to host Granada on Friday night.

"It's my second year here with the first team, so I have got a bit more experience with LaLiga now - not much but a little," he added. "So, I feel good here with all the people."

The centre-back's comments shed light on the challenges African players can face adapting to life and achieving consistent game time in one of Europe's top leagues.

But with his determination and positive mentality, Mbaye will be hoping to force his way back into Cadiz's starting XI sooner rather than later.