The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has reached an agreement with Aliou Cissé to become the new head coach of the Mediterranean Knights, according to Fawzi Jaouda, the federation’s vice president, AfricaSoccer.com can exclusively reveal.
Jaouda confirmed that negotiations with the former Senegal national team boss had been intense but fruitful, with both sides agreeing on the key terms of the contract.
While some minor details remain unresolved, Cissé’s appointment is expected to be finalized soon.
Cissé to Oversee Libya’s Youth Development
In addition to leading the senior national team, Cissé’s role will extend beyond the first team.
The agreement includes a provision for him to supervise Libya’s youth and junior squads, a move that signals the federation’s intent to build a long-term footballing structure under his leadership.
Jaouda emphasized that the LFF sees Cissé as the ideal candidate to not only improve the national team’s performance but also to develop young Libyan talent and create a sustainable pipeline for future success.
Expected Arrival in March
The former Senegalese international, who led his home country to their first-ever AFCON title in 2022, is set to arrive in Libya on March 5 to begin his tenure.
His appointment comes as Libya aims to rebuild its squad and compete more effectively on the continental stage.
Coaching Staff Decisions Pending
While Cissé will have the authority to select his own assistant staff, Jaouda revealed that the Libyan Football Federation retains the right to appoint one assistant coach.
This suggests that the LFF wants to maintain some level of influence within the coaching setup while allowing Cissé the freedom to shape his team.
A New Era for Libyan Football
Cissé’s impending arrival marks a significant moment for Libyan football, as the federation seeks to restore the national team’s competitiveness on the African stage.
Having led Senegal to AFCON glory and a FIFA World Cup appearance, the 47-year-old coach brings a wealth of experience to a Libyan side that has struggled to make an impact in recent years.
With his tactical expertise and leadership, the LFF hopes Cissé will usher in a new era of progress, helping the Mediterranean Knights rebuild and challenge Africa’s top teams once again.
