Aliou Cissé: “More Than 600 Senegalese Players Available for Selection Worldwide”

Aliou Cissé: “Senegal Has Over 600 Players Eligible for Selection – No One Has a Guaranteed Spot”

Speaking as the guest of the Press Club of the National Association of Sports Press (ANPS) this Friday in Dakar, Aliou Cissé, the newly appointed head coach of Senegal’s national team, laid out a clear and ambitious vision for the future of the Lions of Teranga. And he did not hold back.

“My recent trip to Europe allowed me to compile a list of more than 600 Senegalese players eligible for selection around the world,” Cissé revealed. “No place is guaranteed. You’ll have to fight, work, and prove that you deserve it.”

According to the former Senegal captain, the national team will be built around collective strength rather than individual names:

“The only star is the team. The group.”

“Time Will Be Key to Building a Strong Team”

Cissé urged patience in building a competitive squad, reminding the media and supporters that great teams take time to develop.

“In Africa, we’re used to wanting to go fast. But success comes with time and experience. I’ve been given a four-year mandate to lay the foundations of a solid team capable of winning in the future.”

He emphasized that tactical systems will remain flexible depending on the players and match context:

“I’m not fixed. Whether it’s 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, the system will depend on the players and the game itself.”

On Goalkeepers and Competition

Cissé also spoke about the role of Tony Sylva in managing the goalkeepers but clarified that he retains final say on all selections:

“Tony Sylva is our goalkeeper coach, but I make the final decisions. Coundoul is there, but others will come. You must work to earn your place.”

No Complacency Against Group Rivals

With Senegal drawn into Group K for the 2017 AFCON qualifiers alongside Burundi, Niger, and Namibia, Cissé emphasized respect for all opponents:

“We don’t take Burundi lightly. I’ve seen their level of play. The same goes for Niger and Namibia. African football is difficult—fields, referees, conditions are not the same as in Europe.”

He added:

“I remind players every day: playing for your national team in Africa is tough. Look at Eto’o, Weah, El Hadji Diouf—they all sacrificed themselves for their countries.”

Opponent Scouting and Final Words

Though he didn’t disclose much detail, Cissé confirmed that Senegal’s staff is closely monitoring opponents:

“We’re working on it, but we’re being discreet. Our opponents are watching us too.”

With Burundi the first opponent in June 2015, Cissé is focused on assembling the best possible XI to start the qualifiers strongly and shape a competitive national team capable of reaching the summit of African football.