New Lions coach: Patrick Vieira reveals his ambitions to the governing body

The new coach of Senegal's national A football team, Patrick Vieira, was received in audience this Friday, September 18, 2026, by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Djiréye Clotilde Coly. The meeting focused on institutional dialogue and collaboration, just days before the Lions' upcoming matches.

Appointed head coach of Senegal's national A team, Patrick Vieira made his first official visit to the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Friday. The new coach was received by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Djiréye Clotilde Coly, for a meeting focused on the national team's prospects and the development of Senegalese football.

Patrick Vieira was accompanied by the president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Abdoulaye Fall, and the general secretary of the Federation, Abdoulaye Seydou Sow.

During this meeting, the Franco-Senegalese coach outlined his ambitions as head coach of the Lions of Teranga. He notably expressed his desire to use his experience and expertise to improve the national team's performance, but also to contribute more broadly to the development of Senegalese football.

The supervisory authority reaffirms its availability

Welcoming the new coach, Minister Djiréye Clotilde Coly congratulated him and reaffirmed her department's willingness to support him in carrying out his new responsibilities.

The minister also emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the supervisory authority and the Senegalese Football Federation. This collaboration, she stated, must be based on responsibility, accountability, and good governance.

The objective is to contribute to the establishment of a calm and stable environment, conducive to the performance of the national team and the sustainable development of Senegalese football.

Patrick Vieira: "You can count on me"

Speaking to the crowd, Patrick Vieira expressed his pride in serving Senegal and his determination to put his experience and skills to work for the Lions.

"You can count on me," said the new coach, thus showing his willingness to fully commit to his mission at the head of the national team.

For his part, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Abdoulaye Fall, reaffirmed the federation's willingness to support Patrick Vieira in carrying out his duties. He also reiterated the State's role in supporting and assisting the men's national football team, of which it is the primary sponsor.

Upcoming deadlines in sight

This hearing comes just days before several important international matches for the Lions. The national team is scheduled to face Mozambique on September 25th and Ethiopia on September 29th, as part of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Lions will then play Comoros on October 4th in Marseille.

As these deadlines approach, the minister wished the new coach and the national team every success. "Your success is our success," she emphasized.

Beyond the sporting aspect, this meeting also has institutional significance. It falls within the framework of the relationship between the Senegalese Football Federation and its governing body, in accordance with the rules of collaboration and consultation that govern their relationship.

RTS