Appointed by the Executive Committee (Comex) of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) as future coach of the Lions, Pape Bouna Thiaw has not yet signed his contract. However, this formality should be resolved soon. In the meantime, the former interim coach has already taken steps to strengthen the squad of the national team.
Since December 13, the FSF has officially announced its choice, but validation from the Ministry of Sports, responsible for the coach’s salary, is still pending.
Sports Minister Khady Diène Gaye recently provided clarification on the situation. “This morning I received a letter dated December 27 and signed by the president of the FSF. I called him and we will talk during the week,” she declared on December 30 on 2stv. Asked about the position of her ministry, she recalled that “the federation chooses the coach, and the State covers his salary.” She also assured that the government would spare no effort to guarantee the development of sporting disciplines, particularly football, which is already distinguished by its numerous international qualifications. Discussions between the FSF and the ministry will mainly focus on Pape Thiaw’s salary. According to information obtained by Wiwsport, the contract could be signed next week, well before the CAN 2024 draw scheduled for January 27 in Marrakech (Morocco), which the coach is expected to attend.
Pape Bouna Thiaw did not wait for the official signature to get to work. Faithful to the idea of rejuvenating and diversifying the workforce, he is active in the field to attract new talent. If some have criticized the FSF’s lack of initiative to integrate dual nationals, the future coach seems to be taking the lead.
Discreetly, he began discussions with several players to convince them to join the Lions. Among them, Yehvann Diouf, Franco-Senegalese goalkeeper playing at Stade de Reims, and Malick Thiaw, central defender of AC Milan, naturalized German in 2021. Yehvann Diouf confirmed having spoken with Pape Thiaw during a press conference. As for Malick Thiaw, discussions are underway with his entourage, and a visit by the coach to Italy is reportedly planned. On the other hand, no direct contact has yet been established between him and Ilay Camara, a young versatile 21-year-old player playing in Belgium, although the FSF has reportedly expressed an interest in him.
The Lions’ next deadline is scheduled for March 2025 with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
wiwsport.com
