why Pape Thiaw is not yet officially coach

Announced as the new coach of the Senegal team after a convincing interim period, Pape Thiaw has still not been made official. Explanations.

This week, the press Senegalese announced that the Federation (FSF) had chose to trust Pape Thiaw for the position of permanent coach at the end of an interim period marked by 4 victories in as many matches with the Lions without any goals conceded. All this, with a qualification for the next CAN 2025 two days early.

All that remained was for the body to submit its choice for approval by the Ministry of Sports, which is in charge of the coaches’ salaries. As planned, the meeting with Minister Khady Diène Gaye took place. But she did not achieve the expected result.

The minister has not (yet) followed up

Indeed, as revealed by the French daily The Echoespolitics did not follow up on the FSF’s proposals. At least, for now. With the federation, it was a question of defining Thiaw’s objectives, but also the duration of his contract which was unknown until now, contrary to rumors which initially suggested a two-year lease.

Given the uncertainty, Thiaw would not necessarily be inclined to sign a contract, adds the same source. Information likely to also contradict his desire to extend the adventure with the Lions, as previously stated by the local press. But which is in line with his speech given by the Dakarois at the end of the qualifiers, meaning that his mission was complete.

In short, Thiaw has not signed any contract at the moment. A situation which is hardly reassuring for the winner of the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with the local Lions.