The dismissal of Pape Thiaw marks a significant turning point for the Senegal national team. After the Lions were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) now needs to find a new coach who can reignite the team’s momentum. Several names are already being discussed, but one factor seems to be guiding the leaders’ thoughts: the financial capabilities of the federation. In this context, Omar Daf is gradually emerging as the most credible candidate to take charge of the national team, ahead of more prestigious but much more expensive profiles.
Beyond the sporting qualities sought, the FSF will have to deal with economic realities. Pape Thiaw was earning a salary estimated at nearly 30 million FCFA per month. This expense will likely be compounded by compensation related to the termination of his contract. Under these conditions, it seems hard to imagine the federation offering a salary exceeding 50 million FCFA per month to its future coach. This limit significantly reduces the number of accessible coaches and forces the leaders to prioritize a high-performing profile that is also financially reasonable.
Among the coaches mentioned is Hervé Renard. In terms of achievements, the French coach has an exceptional resume. He is a two-time African champion, having led Zambia to victory in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015. He has also managed the national teams of Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the French women’s team. His knowledge of African football, experience in major competitions, and ability to manage high-level locker rooms make him a reference. However, his main obstacle remains his salary demands, which are far beyond the current means of the FSF.
For several years, Hervé Renard has been working in leagues and teams where salaries reach very high levels. His various contracts in Saudi Arabia and then with the French women’s team have allowed him to enjoy a salary well above the standards of Senegalese football. Even if the former coach were willing to lower his demands, it seems unlikely he would accept a salary that matches the federation’s financial capabilities. This reality is gradually pushing this option away, despite his immense sporting credibility.
In contrast, Omar Daf presents a profile that meets several of the FSF’s expectations. A former Senegal international, he knows the Lions’ environment perfectly and has built a solid reputation from the sidelines. His work in France, notably with Sochaux and then Amiens, has confirmed his managerial skills, organizational sense, and ability to develop his teams despite limited resources. His profile aligns more closely with the federation’s budgetary realities while offering interesting sporting guarantees.
So, who will succeed Pape Thiaw among these four coaches? 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/VtXdgWPoKD
— Thiouneuh ❤️🤌🏾 (@Serignethi14428) July 12, 2026
Beyond the financial aspect, Omar Daf also embodies a sense of continuity. A former iconic defender for Senegal, he understands the public’s expectations, the culture of the national team, and the demands of African football. His unifying speech and closeness to the realities of Senegalese football are significant assets during a time when the Lions need to quickly regain stability. Unlike a foreign coach who would need time to adapt to a new environment, Omar Daf could be operational much faster.
The final decision now rests with the FSF leaders. While other candidates may still emerge in the coming days, economic constraints are likely to heavily influence the choice of the future coach. In this context, Omar Daf seems to meet the main criteria sought: recognized experience, excellent knowledge of Senegalese football, and a cost compatible with the federation’s means. Unless there is a last-minute surprise, he now appears to be the natural favorite to succeed Pape Thiaw at the helm of the Lions of Teranga.
