Senegal moves closer to appointing new coach amid growing speculation

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially initiated the process to appoint a new head coach for the national team. While the governing body has made its decision, the final confirmation rests with Khady Diène Gaye, the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, who holds the ultimate authority over the appointment.

The development follows a significant decision by Minister Gaye, who had previously blocked the renewal of Aliou Cissé’s contract.

The move came as part of a push for fresh leadership within the Senegalese national team, despite Cissé’s success in leading the “Lions” to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2021.

According to recent reports, interim coach Pape Thiaw is a strong contender for the role. However, other candidates have also been considered as potential successors to Cissé.

The FSF is expected to finalize its choice in the coming days, with an official announcement anticipated next week, barring any last-minute changes.

As the reigning African champions, Senegal’s next major test will be the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to begin in March 2024.

The appointment of a new coach is seen as a critical step in ensuring the team remains competitive on the international stage.

The move to appoint a new coach marks a pivotal moment for Senegalese football, with fans and analysts alike closely watching the process to see who will lead the “Lions” into the next chapter of their footballing journey.

SUCESSION D’ALIOU CISSE, LE PROCESSUS LANCÉ, PAPE THIAW EN ATTENTE https://t.co/Sg7PYOw7Om pic.twitter.com/m2E8IJvTxp

— Sénégal Expresse (@SNExpresse) December 3, 2024