Senegal’s Football Federation Appoints New Coaches Across All National Teams
In a significant development for Senegalese football, the country’s Football Federation (FSF) has officially confirmed the appointments of new coaches for all national teams, across every category. The decisions were made during an executive committee meeting held on Friday in Dakar, where the federation also discussed the filling of vacant positions within its structures.
Senior National Team: Aliou Cissé to Continue as Head Coach
As widely expected, Aliou Cissé has been confirmed as the head coach of Senegal’s senior national team. His long-standing assistant, Roger Bogaert, will continue in his role, while Tony Sylva, who was once the national team’s goalkeeper, will return as the goalkeeping coach. This confirmation solidifies Cissé’s position after his successful tenure, which included leading the team to the Africa Cup of Nations final and the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals.
Local National Team: Moustapha Seck Takes Charge
The newly appointed head coach of Senegal’s local national team is Moustapha Seck, former coach of NGB Ligue 1. Seck will be supported by Salif Diallo as his assistant and Oumar Diallo, who replaces Tony Sylva as the goalkeeping coach. Diallo had previously served as Sylva’s substitute in 2002 for the national team.
Olympic Team: Serigne Saliou Dia at the Helm
Serigne Saliou Dia has been appointed as the new coach of Senegal’s Olympic football team. He will be assisted by Badara Sarr, with Gaspard Gomis taking up the role of the goalkeeping coach. The Olympic team is expected to build on its recent success in continental competitions, with Dia’s leadership seen as pivotal to their future performance.
Junior and Cadet Teams: New Appointments for Development
The national junior team will now be under the guidance of Joseph Koto, with assistance from Malick Daf and Joseph Correa. Meanwhile, the national cadet team, which plays a crucial role in the development of future football talent, will be led by former 90s defender Aly Male, supported by Issa Aidara and goalkeeper coach Issa Cissokho, who had been the third-choice goalkeeper in the 2002 World Cup squad.
Women’s National Team: Mame Moussa Sarr Takes Over
Following the resignation of Bossouaré Diaby, who stepped down after Senegal’s elimination from the African Games, Mame Moussa Sarr has been appointed head coach of the women’s national football team. Sarr will be assisted by Cheikh Tidiane Déme. The change marks a fresh start for the women’s team, as they look to build on their growing presence in African football.
U20 Women’s Team: Pape Abdoulaye Gaye to Lead
In an exciting new development, Senegal has created a U20 women’s team, which will be coached by Pape Abdoulaye Gaye. He will be supported by Aicha Henriette Ndiaye, marking a positive step for women’s football development in the country.
Infrastructure Development: New Federal Hotel and Training Facilities
The Senegalese Football Federation has also adopted a new charter for football teams and selections. In addition, they have finalized the purchase of a 7,000 m² plot of land 30 kilometers outside of Dakar. This land will be developed into a federal hotel, set to host various national teams for training camps and preparations.
Upcoming Matches: A Busy Schedule Ahead
The meeting also outlined the preparation for key upcoming fixtures, including the first match of the senior team against Burundi on June 13 in Dakar, part of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Additionally, Senegal’s match against Gambia on June 20 will be part of the 2016 CHAN qualifiers, also to be held in Dakar.
These appointments and initiatives signal a new era for Senegalese football, with a focus on continuity, youth development, and infrastructure to support the country’s growing football ambitions.