Issa Aïdara leads race to become Patrick Vieira’s deputy

Issa Aïdara has emerged as the leading candidate to become Patrick Vieira’s assistant with Senegal, giving the former footballer a strong chance of joining the national team’s senior technical staff. His rise comes as Vieira prepares to begin his work as the Lions’ new head coach.

Aïdara moved into coaching after ending his playing career and recently earned the CAF A Licence. He graduated at the top of his class, a result that has strengthened his case for the position. Serigne Saliou Dia and Malick Daf had been among the names most closely associated with the role, but Aïdara is now understood to be ahead of both candidates.

Senegal’s technical staff is due to be officially presented on Friday, when Vieira will hold a press conference at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium. The occasion will also mark the publication of his first squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia, along with the friendly against Comoros.

Aïdara’s appointment has not yet been formally confirmed, but Friday’s announcement should settle the composition of Vieira’s staff. It would place a coach who has only recently completed the highest CAF licence level in a key support role as Senegal prepare for their next international programme.