Buffalo and Western Africa don't exactly have much in common, and no one knows that better than UB soccer star Cheick Diarra.
Diarra has called both of these places home during his life, which has taken him all over the world.
There is no disguising the fact that Buffalo's weather is anything but tropical, so it does seem a little odd that Diarra would come to UB.
"It was funny, I was playing at the Empire Games and I met a friend that played for UB and he kind of recruited me," said Diarra. "I like everything about this school, I always wanted to play for a big school."
Majoring in business geography, Cheick is no stranger to the world. Raised in tropical climate of West Africa, Diarra spent a good amount of time mastering soccer.
"That's all we play there," said Diarra. "I played before I could even kick the ball right. I would kick it and fall over. Everyday after school, you eat and at 5 p.m. you go to the field and play soccer everyday. The weather is good, it's not cold or anything."
Diarra played sporadically during high school and his junior college, Brayant & Stratton. Diarra played only one year in each school.
"I ran cross-country my junior year in high school, but played (soccer) my senior year in Philadelphia," said Diarra. "I played there (Brayant & Stratton) for one year and my second year I didn't play. I had a problem with the coach there because I was talking to the coach here at UB, and then I transferred here."
While not recognized as a scorer, Diarra did play forward for most of his career before refining his position here at UB.
"I was a forward before and when I came to the U.S. my coach in high school used me to play defense," said Diarra. "As a soccer player you have to be able to play everywhere in the field. That's why I got recruited as a defender."
Diarra described beating Kentucky as his most memorable moment on the field.
"Beating Kentucky last year, it was the first time in history that UB beat Kentucky. Kentucky is very, very good, they go to the NCAA."
5 Random Questions
1) What's the most goals you've scored in a game?
"I scored three goals and also in junior college there was a National Tournament and I scored two goals in the last 15 minutes to tie up the game. We were down 3-1 and it went to OT where we won"
2) How many pairs of shoes do you own? What's your favorite one?
3) Have you ever puked on the drunk bus?
"No, I don't drink that much, I mean I throw up and I drink a little bit, but I never get wasted."
4) Finish this Sean Paul line: "Need a lotta cheese up in my _____"?
"I listened to the song but I'm not really good, um, oh man that's a hard one, I'm telling you. Nah I don't know."
5) Where would you rather spend a summer, at the Hey Dude ranch or Camp Anawanna?
"Back home we don't have that kind of TV. I watch it sometimes (Nickelodeon), I've seen Hey Dude, but I never saw the other show. I would say Hey Dude because it was fun to watch."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
