Habib Sissoko

Who is Habib Sissoko?

Habib Sissoko is a French-born Malian professional footballer.

Sissoko joined Olympique Noisy-le-Sec in 1996, moving on to CS Louhans-Cuiseaux in the 1997 close season. He joined Preston North End in February 1998, making his league debut, as a second-half substitute for Kurt Nogan, in a 1-1 draw away to Wycombe Wanderers on February 21, 1998. He played seven times for North End before being released at the end of the season.

He joined Airdrieonians on trial in August 1998, scoring a late winner on his only appearance having come on as a 70th minute substitute for Stuart Taylor in the home game against St Mirren on August 22, 1998.

In October 1998 he joined Portuguese side União Leiria, joining Belgian side Cappelen in the 1999-2000 season. He was released at the end of the season and returned to England, joining Torquay United on trial, signing on a free transfer in July 2000. He was one of three French players to play for Torquay that season, the others being Jules Mendy and Khalid Chalqi.

His Torquay debut came on August 12, 2000, a 2-0 defeat away to Kidderminster Harriers, with his first goal coming two weeks later in a 3-2 win home to Blackpool. Despite a good start to his Plainmoor career, Sissoko struggled to establish himself in Torquay's struggling side. He was sacked by the club on April 23, 2001 after an angry reaction to being substituted in the defeat away to local rivals Plymouth Argyle.