Senegal’s Coaching Hunt: 12 Candidates to Replace Alain Giresse
With Alain Giresse officially out as head coach of Senegal, the race is on to find his successor. Though the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has opted not to issue a public call for applications, a dozen names are already in the mix. FSF President Augustin Senghor has clarified that the nationality of the new coach is not a deciding factor:
“We are not setting a nationality. The future coach will be Senegalese or foreign,” he stated.
Local Contenders:
Topping the list of Senegalese candidates is Aliou Cissé, current coach of the Olympic team and widely seen as the favorite among local technicians. He previously captained the national team and is considered a figure capable of unifying the group.
Also in the running:
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Amara Traoré, former Senegal coach
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Lamine Dieng, a respected local figure in the Senegalese football scene
Foreign Names in the Frame:
A number of international coaches have also been linked with the job:
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Paul Put, who recently departed as coach of Burkina Faso
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Michel Dussuyer, fresh off his resignation from Guinea after CAN 2015
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Paulo Duarte, former coach of both Burkina Faso and Gabon
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Patrice Neveu, a CAF coaching regular
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Frédéric Antonetti, a French coach with Ligue 1 experience
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Jean-Pierre Papin, former France international and coach
The FSF aims to appoint Giresse’s replacement by March 5, giving the new coach enough time to prepare for friendly matches scheduled later in the month. With the 2017 AFCON qualifiers looming, the decision will be crucial for the Lions of Teranga’s next chapter.
