Ex-Premier League coach Steve McClaren shortlisted for vacant Burkina Faso coaching job

Former Premier League manager Steve McClaren has reportedly made the final shortlist for the Burkina Faso national team job.

The West African nation is close to appointing a new head coach ahead of the March international break, following the dismissal of Brama Traoré after Burkina Faso’s exit in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reports indicate that the Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) initially received around 100 applications for the position, including former Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas.

The list has now been narrowed to fewer than ten candidates, with McClaren among them.

The 64-year-old English coach has been unattached since resigning as Jamaica’s national team manager in November 2025.

He faces competition from Stade Malien coach Njoya, who recently led the Malian side to a CAF Champions League quarter-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Other names reportedly on the final shortlist include Kamou Malo, Amir Abdou, Pascal Dupraz, Antonio Conceicao da Silva Oliveira, Vahid Halilhodzic, and Vincenzo Alberto Annese.