Amdy Faye urges careful management of Sadio Mané’s role in Senegal squad

Former Senegal international Amdy Faye has called for a more measured approach to managing Sadio Mané’s involvement with the national team, stressing that the Al-Nassr forward can no longer be relied upon to play at the same relentless pace as in previous years.

The remarks come after Mané was substituted late in Senegal’s recent World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Cheikh Sabaly took his place.

The decision reignited discussions among fans and analysts about the 32-year-old’s ability to maintain his influential role for the Lions of Teranga in the high-intensity environment of African football.

Faye, a member of Senegal’s golden generation that reached the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals, argued that Mané’s physical freshness is no longer at the level it once was — a natural outcome of age and years of service at the top level. He suggested that Senegal would benefit from adapting how they utilise their talisman.

“Sadio, we have to take care of him. He no longer has the same freshness as before and that’s normal,” Faye explained. “For me, it would be wiser to start with the young players, then bring him in so that he can make the difference at the end of the game.”

The former midfielder emphasised that the responsibility now lies with national team coach Pape Thiaw to manage this transition carefully, ensuring that veterans like Mané are respected and supported while making space for the next generation of Senegalese talent.

“Some players have been carrying the national team for a decade,” Faye continued. “It is essential to supervise them well and find the right balance.”

Faye also highlighted the importance of providing tailored support for Mané, describing him not only as a player but as a leader who could act as an extension of the coach on the pitch.

“Pape Thiaw must know how to manage and listen to Sadio, who can be his relay on the pitch,” he said. “We must not turn our backs on the veterans, but support them so that they finish their careers with dignity and leave through the front door.”

Mané, who has been the cornerstone of Senegalese football for over a decade, remains a figure of immense importance to the national team.

His contributions have been decisive in major tournaments, including the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. However, the conversation around his long-term role is becoming increasingly prominent as Senegal balances loyalty to its established stars with the development of emerging players eager to make their mark.

Faye’s comments reflect a wider debate within Senegalese football about the evolution of the squad under Pape Thiaw’s stewardship. Managing this generational shift, while ensuring respect for the veterans who have elevated the team to global prominence, is now seen as one of the coach’s most pressing challenges.

For Mané, the task ahead may be to embrace a more strategic role — one where his experience, leadership, and ability to influence games in key moments are prioritised, even if that means fewer minutes on the pitch.

As Senegal prepares for the next phase of its qualification campaign, the delicate balance between youthful energy and veteran wisdom could determine whether the Lions of Teranga continue their rise as one of Africa’s dominant footballing nations.