The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially decided to end its collaboration with Pape Bouna Thiaw and his entire coaching staff. This decision, made during a meeting of the Executive Committee (Comex), marks a significant turning point for the Senegal national team. After several weeks of reflection on the recent performances of the Lions of Teranga, the federation leaders have opted for a major restructuring of the coaching staff. This move opens a new chapter for the national team, which will now need to rebuild under the guidance of a new coach.
As revealed exclusively by SeneNews, the FSF Executive Committee approved Pape Thiaw’s departure at a meeting focused on evaluating the national team’s progress. Senegalese football officials believe a change is necessary to revive the team’s momentum. However, this decision does not only affect the head coach. The Federation has also chosen to terminate the roles of all staff members, thus ending a collective journey that began with Pape Thiaw’s appointment to lead the Lions.
Among the first departures is Teddy Pellerin, who held the position of assistant coach. His role was to assist the head coach in tactical preparation, opponent analysis, and daily training management. His experience and involvement had contributed to the functioning of the coaching staff, but the desire to embark on a new project led the Federation to end this collaboration. In the same vein, Lamine Diagne is also leaving his role as assistant coach after participating in the team’s sports management.
The goalkeeping department is also affected by this extensive reorganization. Tony Mario Sylva, a former iconic goalkeeper for the Lions of Teranga, will not continue his journey with the national team. Responsible for preparing Senegalese goalkeepers, he had guided several generations of keepers and brought his high-level experience. His departure marks the end of an important chapter for the coaching staff, as the Federation aims to establish a new organization around the national team.
🚨🚨 💣 PAPE THIAW 🇸🇳 AND THE ENTIRE TECHNICAL STAFF OF SENEGAL HAVE BEEN DISMISSED BY THE FSF!!! 🤯❌
🗞️ @wiwsport pic.twitter.com/OEHvhj8QEg
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) July 12, 2026
The restructuring also impacts the performance and video analysis department. Hussein Bichara Farhat, the physical trainer, is leaving his role after overseeing the athletic condition of Senegalese internationals.
On their part, Farès Karam, video and performance analyst, and El Hadji Abdoulaye Seck, better known as “Thalès,” will no longer be part of the staff. Their mission included studying the performances of the Lions and their opponents to provide analyses aimed at optimizing the tactical choices of the coaching staff.
Finally, Cheikhou Kouyaté is also among the personalities leaving the Tanière. The former captain of the Lions served as coordinator and supporter of the group, using his international experience to assist the team. His departure symbolizes the extent of the renewal initiated by the Senegalese Football Federation. With this decision, the FSF is definitively turning the page on the staff led by Pape Thiaw and is now preparing to appoint a new coaching team tasked with revitalizing the Lions of Teranga ahead of upcoming international challenges.
