After receiving a hefty fine following the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final, Pape Thiaw, head coach of the Senegal national team, quickly gained widespread support from the public. In response to the financial penalty imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), fans and everyday people spontaneously launched an online fundraiser to help him pay the fine, showcasing once again the deep bond between the Senegalese public and their coach.
On Thursday evening, the 44-year-old Senegalese coach decided to respond publicly. Breaking his silence, he posted a message filled with gratitude and humility on his Instagram account, directed straight at the Senegalese people. Acknowledging the strength of this wave of solidarity, Pape Thiaw warmly thanked his supporters while calling for restraint.
“People of Senegal, my family. Your solidarity since the announcement of the sanctions touches my heart. Thank you for the love you show me every day. However, I humbly ask you not to organize fundraisers in my name. While I understand and appreciate this generosity, I invite you to redirect those funds to more urgent causes, for the benefit of those who truly need it,” wrote Pape Bouna Thiaw.
With this message, the national coach aimed to emphasize his values of solidarity and social responsibility, preferring to see this popular support benefit the most vulnerable people. This stance has been praised by many internet users, who see it as further proof of the humility and sense of community of the Senegalese coach, who is already widely supported despite the sanctions against him.
