Djoliba Atletico Club was formed in Bamako the capital City of Mali, after Mali gained independence from colonial rule in 1960. Freedom in the West African country resulted in the formation of a professional league, much to the delight of local fans.

President Karounga Keita, a die-hard fan of the club has been part of the team since its formation. The club was formed after Keita’s former club Sport Afrique joined forces with Foyer du Soudan to form one of the biggest clubs on the African continent. Keita’s journey with the club has not always been smooth, he has experienced good times and hardships but he still remains loyal to his beloved club. Keita has held different positions as a player and a coach at the Bamako based giants. President Keita, made a successful contribution to the club, as a player, he was most respected by his peers both on and off the field. His talent took him to Europe, where he became a star in France. Keita also studied law at the University of Bordeaux.

After a long career in France, he returned back to Mali to coach and mentor the players at Djoliba. As the most successful and biggest team in Mali, the Bamako giants have given a number of unknown players a platform to showcase their skills. Djoliba has also supplied the Malian National teams with talented players throughout the years. For instance, the 2004 Olympic Games squad, which represented Africa with pride, had a few Djoliba players to thank for their success. While the senior national team has also extremely benefited over the years. In addition, players from Djoliba Atletico club never seem to struggle to adjust to life at international level, as the club prepares them well for that stage. Former Djoliba players such as Adama Tamboura and Adama Coulibaly are just two legends who started at the club before establishing themselves with top European clubs at international level.

Tamboura and Coulibaly have more than 120 caps between them. The highly rated duo also played for some top European clubs in their successful careers after departing Malian shores. Bamako, is one of the fastest growing cities on the African continent. So it is only fitting that they have the 2012 CAF Champions League finalist representing them. With more than 50 years of existence, Djoliba has faced a number of rivalries and on many occasions, they have come out on top. However, the grand derby with arch-rivals Stade Malien is known to be a closely contested encounter. 

In 2007, Djoliba humiliated them 5-1 in the Malian Cup semi-finals. Stade Malien would get their revenge by lifting the Bamako District Cup at the expense of Djoliba, testimony that both teams are capable of causing an upset on any given day.  Just like the Niger River, which the club is named after, the affection that the likes of Keita have for the multiple league winners runs deep and wide.   

-JP