Football: The FSF wants to establish a common playing identity for all national teams

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) aims to strengthen the cohesion of its national teams through a common playing style. To this end, it organized a consultation day on Friday, November 6, 2026, at its headquarters in Keur Gorgui, bringing together the coaches of the 14 national teams, both men's and women's.

Placed under the theme "Sharing experiences, harmonizing practices and strengthening the performance of national teams", this meeting aims to establish a real synergy between the different technical staffs of Senegalese football.

At the initiative of the national technical director (DTN), Souleymane Diallo, the proceedings were chaired by the president of the FSF, Abdoulaye Fall, in the presence of the general secretary, Abdoulaye Saydou Sow. The national team coaches, their assistants, training managers, and three former national technical directors also participated in the discussions.

Following the presentation of the national teams' charter, Souleymane Diallo initiated discussions on the organization and operation of the technical staff. Several aspects were addressed, including the distribution of responsibilities within the coaching staff, the preparation and planning of training camps, as well as the management of official matches, from technical meetings to post-match debriefings.

The coaches then shared their experiences, working methods, successes, and difficulties encountered. Two case studies focusing on the U17 and U20 national teams also provided an opportunity to examine concrete situations related to the preparation and coaching of young players.

Towards a common philosophy of play

One of the highlights of this meeting was dedicated to the playing philosophy and player profiles. This aspect was presented by the National Technical Director, Souleymane Diallo, and the coach of the senior national team, Patrick Vieira.

Through this initiative, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) aims to define a distinct playing style for Senegalese football, while simultaneously modernizing training methods. The goal is to create continuity between the different age groups and national teams, ensuring that players, both men and women, retain the same playing principles, tactical awareness, and a similar level of expectation when they move up a level.

Participants emphasized the need to establish a framework for regular consultation among coaches. This approach should promote knowledge sharing, the harmonization of practices, and better preparation of national teams.

Three former national technical directors involved in the discussion

This day was also marked by the participation of three figures who led the National Technical Directorate: Mama Sow (2000-2006), Amsatou Fall (2006-2012) and Mayacine Mar (2012-2025).

Their presence demonstrates the FSF's commitment to building on the experience accumulated over the years to create a new dynamic. Together, these three former officials led the national technical department for 25 years.

With this initiative, the Senegalese Football Federation is laying the groundwork for a project aimed at uniting the various national teams around a shared philosophy. The ambition is clear: to build a coherent and sustainable playing model to improve the performance of Senegalese football, for both men and women.