Patrick Vieira set to take charge of Senegal as new coach

Patrick Vieira is set to be officially appointed as Senegal’s new head coach on Monday, ending weeks of uncertainty over his return to his country of birth.

Vieira was announced as Senegal’s coach on 18 August after the relevant parties reached an agreement in principle, but the appointment required final approval from the country’s Ministry of Sport.

The former France international, who was born in Dakar, will replace Pape Thiaw and is expected to sign a four-year contract, according to Sport News Africa.

The deal is designed to take Vieira through to the 2030 World Cup, with the 2027 and 2028 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns also forming part of his mandate.

His official unveiling is scheduled for 18 September in Dakar.

The lengthy negotiations were reportedly linked largely to the approval process involving the Ministry of Sport, which is responsible for funding the national team.

Vieira’s commitment to the project, however, has remained strong. The former Nice and Crystal Palace manager is returning to the country where he was born and has a longstanding connection with Senegalese football.

He is also a co-founder of the Diambars academy, which was established in 2000 to develop young footballers in Senegal.

Vieira already planning for first qualifiers

Despite the delay in completing his appointment, Vieira has already started work ahead of his first international break.

The 49-year-old has contacted several members of the Senegal squad as he prepares for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

One of those discussions resulted in goalkeeper Edouard Mendy informing Vieira of his decision to retire from international football.

Mendy’s departure could be the first of several changes to a Senegal squad that is approaching the end of a cycle, with Vieira expected to oversee a gradual transition while maintaining the team’s competitiveness.

The new coach has already finalised his first squad for the opening AFCON qualifiers.

Senegal will begin their campaign with consecutive away matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia before facing Comoros in a friendly in Marseille.

The demanding schedule will give Vieira little time to settle into the role, but it will provide his first opportunity to begin shaping the team ahead of the longer-term challenge of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

His appointment also marks a significant homecoming for Vieira, who will now lead the country of his birth after a distinguished playing career with France and a coaching career that has included spells in the Premier League and Ligue 1.