Patrick Vieira is preparing a coaching team combining familiar colleagues with figures who know Senegal’s national set-up, with his official presentation due on Friday, one week before the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Several names have emerged as possible members of his staff, although key positions remain undecided and the Senegalese Football Federation has yet to confirm any appointments.
Vieira had wanted an environment largely chosen by himself even before his appointment was finalised. The early suggestions indicate that he is seeking a balance between people whose methods he already understands and individuals with established knowledge of Senegalese football.
The least familiar name to the wider public is Hachim Ali Mbae. According to Seneweb, the Comorian video analyst could join Vieira in Senegal after previously working with him at Nice, Strasbourg and Genoa.
His potential arrival would represent continuity rather than a surprise. With only limited time available during an international break, Vieira would have a staff member already accustomed to his demands and working methods.
Kader Mangane is another leading candidate, with the former Senegal international reportedly in line to become team manager. Mangane has spent several years working in sporting coordination at Strasbourg, where he worked alongside Vieira.
He would also bring knowledge of the Senegalese dressing room and an understanding of how a national team operates.
However, his possible appointment raises the question of what would happen to Lamine Diatta, who currently holds the team manager role with the Lions. Several sources have suggested Mangane could replace him, but the federation has not made any announcement.
The search for an assistant coach appears to be less advanced. Malick Daff has been described as a serious contender, while Dsports has also reported discussions involving Serigne Saliou Dia and Issa Aidara.
Both men have experience with Senegal’s youth national teams. Serigne Saliou Dia is currently in charge of the under-23 side, meaning any move to Vieira’s staff would require arrangements to ensure continuity for the work already under way with that team.
The emerging picture is therefore not simply one of Vieira surrounding himself with trusted associates. Instead, the possible appointments suggest an attempt to combine personal familiarity, analytical expertise and knowledge of Senegal’s football structures.
Vieira’s presentation on Friday should provide greater clarity over the make-up of his staff. He must also prepare his first squad, which is expected to offer early indications of the direction he wants to take the national team in a new cycle.
With Senegal’s opening matches approaching, the incoming manager is working simultaneously to complete his backroom team and select his first group of players.