At 43, Pape Thiaw, the coach of Senegal and champion of the last TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), stands out as a rising figure in African football. A knowledgeable tactician, he focuses on every detail in order to perfect his skills in passion for the art of coaching.
Thiaw, who is now Aliou Cissé’s assistant at the Lions of Teranga, is a very active man. Between his roles within the CAF and FIFA Technical Group and his management of the Senegalese U-23s, he spent time exchanging his expertise with other coaches during the recently concluded TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 Coaches Symposium ehld in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire between 12 – 13 September.
Pape Thiaw: Yes, it’s something remarkable. I think it’s a turning point for African football to be able to bring together all the coaches after a competition to exchange their experiences and the emotions felt in their locker room. This is of great importance for football and its future in Africa.
I also had the chance to have an exceptional experience being on the bench of the Senegal team. It’s something extraordinary that enriches me both personally and professionally. Winning the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship for the first time in the country’s history was an unforgettable moment. I would like to thank Algeria once again for its exemplary organisation as host country.
Senegal has had an extraordinary period: winner of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2021, Beach Soccer AFCON, U-17 and U-20 junior AFCON tournament. Thoughts on this achievement?
It is true that considering the results, Senegal won everything. This is the result of serious work, because in Senegal, the effort is made tirelessly and there is real continuity.
Football is not limited to the sporting aspect; it also encompasses administrative issues. All of this is of great importance.
For qualification for the World Cup, we are realistic, we are second, which is also the case for AFCON. We are therefore prepared to qualify for these two tournaments which are close to our hearts, because we want to make up for what has escaped us.
What factors played a role in your success at the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN tournament?
We have a good level in our local championship, which allowed us to win the CHAN. The majority of our U-20 and U-17 players play in Senegal. However, we are encountering difficulties with our clubs in African competitions. Once established in Senegal, we know where our weaknesses lie. Young Senegalese players have done well in managing to break into Europeans leagues, they stay one or two years in the country, then often, these talents leave for Europe, which testifies to our vast reservoir.
Currently, looking at Senegal, we see that it ranks among the top nations in the world when it comes to exporting players, whether second or third, or even first. This is why it is important to aim for victory in this type of competition, while seeking to maintain our group.
You are also a member of the very active Technical Group (TSG) at CAF and FIFA?
Indeed, that is correct. I participated in the U-20 World Cup in Argentina and the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, and I was also supposed to participate in the Olympic Games.
I also have collaborations with CAF as well. I should have participated in the AFCON TSG team, but I was in the Senegal team, so the priority is to support my country. However, working with the Technical Group (TSG) is very rewarding, because we have to examine very specific details to contribute to the development of African football.
It’s truly something exceptional. Working for FIFA and CAF, two major footballing institutions. It gives me immense pride. Being selected for this competition pushes us to put in even more effort. By being in these organizations, we have the responsibility to represent our continent and show the best of ourselves.
For me, representing the continent during this competition is very important. I give the best of myself, which makes me happy, and that brings great satisfaction. They call on me and I also notice all the good work done, especially in Africa.
