Since retiring from professional football in 2020, former Senegalese international Lamine Sané has embarked on a new path in coaching, working with Senegal’s U17 national team. Now 37, Sané has joined the staff of the Lionceaux as they prepare for a crucial African Cup of Nations qualification match against Guinea-Bissau. In an interview with Afrik-Foot.com, he spoke candidly about his journey in coaching and his perspective on the future of Senegal’s senior national team, known as the Lions.
What has Lamine Sané been up to since retiring from professional football?
“I recently completed my coaching training, earning the UEFA A diploma, and I’ve been actively involved in the field for the last three years,” Sané explained.
“Currently, I’m in Senegal to support Pape Faye, the head coach of the U17 team, and to strengthen his staff. I’m here to lend a hand and also to learn.
Training in Europe is quite different from here in Africa, and so far, things are going well. I’m grateful to the Senegalese Football Federation for allowing me to be a part of this.”
Sané sees this experience with the U17 team as an opportunity to hone his skills while making a meaningful contribution to the next generation of Senegalese talent.
His immediate focus is assisting the team in their quest to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in the U17 category, with a critical semi-final match against Guinea-Bissau in the UFOA A tournament just ahead.
On Senegal’s Search for a New Senior Team Coach
With Aliou Cissé’s tenure as the Lions’ coach concluded after nine years of leadership, Sané acknowledges that Senegal’s senior team is in transition, and that finding the right successor is crucial.
“People have asked me who the ideal candidate would be to lead the Lions, but I don’t know who that should be.
What I do know is that the next coach will need time and support,” he said, noting Cissé’s remarkable achievements and the challenges of following in his footsteps.
Asked if he’d consider joining the Lions’ coaching staff himself, Sané was clear about his readiness.
“I’m going to be very honest—I still have a lot to learn in this job,” he admitted. “It’s very early for me, and I don’t want to rush into anything.
My heart is with the Lions, but I’m simply not ready for that role yet.”
Reflecting on His Greatest Memory with the Lions
Sané’s career with Senegal’s national team saw its share of iconic moments, but one match stands out: a qualifier against Cameroon for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Only one team from each group could qualify back then, and we were up against Cameroon. That game was unforgettable,” he recalled with a smile.
The match saw Senegal snatch a late victory with a goal from Demba Ba in stoppage time, a moment etched in the memories of Senegalese fans.
“I saw the Senghor Stadium shake like never before,” Sané recounted. “I’ve never experienced anything like it in my career. People still bring it up to me. The fans have always been magnificent.”
In reflecting on his transition from player to coach, Sané is candid about the learning curve ahead but remains hopeful about contributing to Senegal’s football future, albeit one step at a time.
His passion for the sport and his country is evident, and while he may not yet be ready to take on a senior role with the Lions, he has made it clear that his heart lies with Senegalese football.
