More to Senegal than slaughtering chickens, says Cisse

BIRMINGHAM CITY'S new signing Aliou Cisse has rubbished claims that voodoo was responsible for Senegal's success in the World Cup finals.

Cisse, who has joined the Blues from Paris St Germain in a £4.5million deal, skippered Senegal to the quarter-finals after their shock win over world champions France in the opening match of the tournament and their golden goal win over Sweden in the second round.

But he refutes suggestions that black magic - including slaughtering chickens before matches - had contributed to his country’s shock success.

Cisse, who came close to joining West Ham last season, said: ‘‘It is crazy what people say about Senegal. Of course there is tradition in every country and that should be respected.

‘‘But to say we used voodoo is madness. If we had done that we would be world champions and our players abroad would be winning every European competition!

‘‘There is this misconception about the game in Africa. People still think we are slaughtering chickens every evening. But it is about time these opinions stopped.

‘‘By playing well in the World Cup, we have done something about that and we have made great progress.

‘‘People thought we were like a French B team because all our players are with French teams but we showed what we are capable of.’’

Cisse has been given a break by the Birmingham manager Steve Bruce to recuperate from his summer exertions in Japan after completing the deal .

Bruce said: ‘‘Aliou flew back home on Tuesday and we don’t expect to see him now until Thursday or Friday week, before our pre-season tour of Scotland, so he can have a rest after the World Cup.’’

Meanwhile, Everton boss David Moyes has described new signing Joseph Yobo as the best player for Nigeria at the World Cup.

The Toffees yesterday completed a deal with Marseille for Yobo, who joins on an initial 12-month contract with an option of a further four years, for a fee that could eventually rise to £5million.

The club has already lodged an application for a work permit and expects to hear a positive response in the next seven to 10 days.

The 21-year-old defender will now return to Nigeria for some well-earned rest following his World Cup performances and he will join up with his

new colleagues when they return from their Austrian training camp next week.