Kader Mangane set to join Patrick Vieira’s Senegal staff

Former Senegal defender Kader Mangane is expected to join Patrick Vieira’s coaching staff as team manager as the new Lions boss continues to put his technical team together.

According to Mansour Loum, editor-in-chief of Sport News Africa and a Canal+ consultant, Mangane is set to take up the position “barring any unforeseen circumstances”.

The move would see the former Senegal international return to the national team in a different capacity after representing the Lions during his playing career.

Mangane is understood to have been selected for the team manager position as Vieira gradually finalises the structure around his new coaching staff.

Another former Senegal player, Malick Daff, is reportedly being considered for the role of assistant coach. His possible appointment is part of the ongoing process to build Vieira’s technical team.

Mangane brings considerable experience from his playing career at the highest level. He began his development at US Rail before moving into European football, where he represented several clubs.

Among the teams he played for were RC Lens, Sunderland and Stade Rennais. His career also included a significant spell representing Senegal at international level.

Mangane won 43 caps for the Lions during his playing career, giving him a strong connection with the national team he could now serve in an administrative and supporting role.

His expected appointment comes as Vieira prepares to begin his work with Senegal following his selection as the new coach.

The former France international is also preparing for his first public appearance in charge of the Lions, with his official presentation and first squad announcement scheduled for Friday.

Vieira’s initial selections will provide the first indication of the players he intends to rely on as he starts his tenure. His coaching staff will also play an important part in supporting the new manager as preparations begin for the challenges ahead.

Mangane’s expected arrival would add someone with direct experience of Senegal’s national team environment to Vieira’s setup.

While his role would be different from his previous position as a player, his 43 international appearances mean he already has experience of the Lions and their environment.

For now, the composition of Vieira’s staff is still taking shape, with Mangane reportedly set to become team manager and Daff among the candidates for an assistant coach position.

According to Loum, however, Mangane’s arrival is expected to go ahead unless there is an unexpected change.

The former defender could therefore become one of the first additions to Vieira’s backroom team as the new Senegal coach prepares to begin his tenure.