Former Burkina Faso Stallions coach Kamou Malo opened up about his tenure, achievements, and the challenges facing football in the country. Speaking candidly, Malo addressed his ouster, the state of Burkina Faso clubs, and the complexities of coaching in African football.
Malo, who guided the Customs team to victory in the 2023 Burkina Faso championship and previously led Kadiogo Rail Club to success, reflected on his accomplishments with humility.
“I have never been far from first place since I have been in Faso football,” he remarked, attributing his success to hard work and dedication.
Discussing the decline of prominent clubs like Asfa Yennenga and the Rail Club of Kadiogo, Malo highlighted the challenges posed by limited resources and the absence of strong financial backing.
He emphasized the need for clubs to adapt to modern football’s demands and embrace the business aspect of the sport to thrive.
Regarding his tenure as coach of the Burkina Faso national team, Malo reminisced about their remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
He attributed their success to teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic, despite facing low expectations from pundits.
Reflecting on his departure from the Stallions, Malo expressed disappointment but accepted the decision with grace.
“If I tell you it didn’t hurt, I’m lying,” he admitted, highlighting the pain of not being able to continue his journey with the team and the subsequent smear campaign against him.
When asked about the frequent changes in coaching staff in Burkina Faso compared to neighboring countries like Senegal, Malo cited a lack of organizational structure and vision within the football federation.
He underscored the importance of leadership with a clear program and ambitions for the sport’s development.
Addressing Hubert Velud’s tenure as his successor, Malo defended Velud against criticism, attributing the team’s underperformance to a hostile environment created by administrative upheaval.
He empathized with Velud’s challenges and emphasized the complexities of achieving results under such conditions.
As football enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in Burkina Faso football, Malo’s insights shed light on the intricacies and challenges facing the sport in the country, sparking discussions on the path forward for the Stallions and the broader footballing landscape in Burkina Faso.
