“The Olympic Games are still the pinnacle.” The quote is from Daouda Karaboué, the second goalkeeper of the French national handball team, which has been participating in the World Championships in Croatia since last Saturday. Originally from Ivory Coast, he is participating in his sixth competition with the French team, five months after the Olympic title in Beijing.
In his five years with Team France, Daouda Karaboué has managed to blend into the team. So much so that the tributes from his teammates are unanimous. Selected comments before their departure for the Balkans, during the event organized at the Maison de la Radio last Wednesday. “He’s a very good goalkeeper, and he has stepped up a level. We get along well and try to talk a lot. He doesn’t yet have the meticulous side that I can have, but we are doing more and more video analysis together and he is gaining experience,” explains Thierry Omeyer, the team’s starting goalkeeper. Former key player Joël Abati confirms: “He will play a major role in this world championship. It is a timely moment to show his class. Daouda is a goalkeeper who deserves to go far.” Coach Claude Onesta highlights the difficult role of the former player from Mandelieu: “He has talent but it’s a tough task when Thierry is at his full capacity. He must not get discouraged and should always be ready to step in when called upon.”
This almost symbiotic relationship is reflected in the team’s results. European champions and then Olympic champions, they are now aspiring to the world title, a feat never accomplished before. “It means it’s difficult if the other teams have not achieved it. Are we unbeatable? No, but our group is full of life, of resources. Each time, someone pulls the others up. Whatever happens, on the field, things need to slide, as we say” adds Daouda Karaboué with a smile. Today, he feels good in this team that has brought him a lot and has shaped him. He remains convinced that it’s this presence with the French team that has allowed him to keep his position as the number one goalkeeper at Montpellier, right after Thierry Omeyer left.
The former kid from Mandelieu has grown up but remains connected to his roots. Now a starter at the top club in France and second goalkeeper for the French national team, he does not forget where he comes from, whether it’s the French Riviera or the land of his birth, Ivory Coast. So when asked what remains of his Azurian years, he feels concerned. “I come back to the club from time to time. I still have many dear friends and family. I also remember meeting Ange Bartoli and Michel Merra. They are the ones who enabled me to be where I am now. I remember the children’s home I’d like to help through my image. I feel Azurian even though as a child, as a black kid, I faced many hardships.” He has also joined the campaign for the city candidate for the 2018 Games by announcing his support for Nice.
His heart swings between the South, which saw him progress, and Africa, his homeland. He devotes a lot of time to the point of having created an association to help young Ivorians. “We share with them. It’s a joy to see these kids smile as soon as we arrive. We train them, we meet them. We try to give them means so that they don’t have to share one ball among ten.” This desire to give back originated about twenty years ago when he started playing handball: “This sport has given me everything. It’s only fair that I give back to the young handball players in Ivory Coast. It’s the right thing to do.” Normal, and yet so rare in high-level sports. A testament to the values held by Daouda Karaboué, those of a great person.
