Patrick Vieira prepares Senegal coaching staff ahead of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Patrick Vieira is expected to outline his new Senegal coaching team on Friday, with several candidates emerging for key roles before the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Vieira’s official presentation is scheduled for two days’ time, just one week before Senegal begin their qualifying campaign. Before announcing his first squad, the former France international must finalise the staff who will work alongside him with the Lions.

The names being discussed suggest Vieira wants to combine trusted colleagues from previous jobs with figures who understand Senegal’s national team and football structure. However, the Senegalese Football Federation has yet to confirm any appointments.

The least familiar name to the public is Hachim Ali Mbae, a Comorian video analyst. According to Seneweb, he could join Vieira in Senegal after previously working with him at Nice, Strasbourg and Genoa.

Mbae’s possible arrival would offer continuity rather than represent a major surprise. With limited preparation time during an international break, Vieira would have an analyst already familiar with his methods and expectations.

Kader Mangane is another candidate being linked with a role, with the former Senegal international reportedly in line to become team manager. Mangane has spent several years working in sporting coordination at Strasbourg, where he worked alongside Vieira.

The former defender would also bring knowledge of Senegal’s dressing room and of the practical demands involved in running a national team. His potential appointment, however, raises the question of what would happen to Lamine Diatta, who currently holds the team manager position with the Lions.

Several sources have suggested Mangane could replace Diatta, although the Federation has made no official announcement.

The appointment of an assistant coach appears to be less advanced. Malick Daff has been identified as a strong contender, while Dsports has also reported discussions involving Serigne Saliou Dia and Issa Aidara.

Both Dia and Aidara have experience with Senegal’s youth national teams. Dia is currently in charge of the Under-23 side, meaning any move into Vieira’s senior coaching staff would require a decision about how to maintain the work already under way with that group.

The emerging structure therefore appears to be more than a collection of Vieira’s personal contacts. The possible appointments point towards a combination of personal trust, technical analysis and knowledge of Senegalese football.

Friday’s presentation should provide greater clarity, although Vieira faces a tight timetable. His first squad is also expected to offer early indications of the direction he wants Senegal to take as he begins a new cycle.

With the first matches approaching, the new head coach is working to complete both his coaching team and his initial group of players at almost the same time.