🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi explains Pape Matar Sarr's extended absence
via SeneNews1 min read
Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi addressed the prolonged absence of Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur from preseason training, clarifying that it is not due to sporting or disciplinary issues. De Zerbi stated he spoke individually with both players after the World Cup. Bentancur, whose team was eliminated in the group stage, requested an additional week due to a demanding season. Pape Sarr sought the extra time for a personal matter. De Zerbi emphasized the importance of both players to the squad and assured there are no tensions with the club, describing the extended absence as a concerted decision rather than a sanction. Pape Matar Sarr, who played only 65 minutes during the 2026 World Cup with the Lions of Tereng, has not rejoined the team 26 days after Senegal's elimination, a situation similar to Bentancur's. This comes as competition in Tottenham's midfield has increased with the arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
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Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye, accompanied by Minister of Infrastructure Déthié Fall and Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Khady Diène Gaye, officially received the renovated National Olympic Swimming Pool and Iba Mar Diop Stadium on Saturday, July 25, 2026. These facilities are central to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games YOG. The President praised the quality of the work and adherence to delivery deadlines, expressing full satisfaction with the completed projects and commending the teams' commitment. President Faye highlighted the significance of the Dakar 2026 YOG as a major continental event, emphasizing Senegal's responsibility to host the world's youth on behalf of Africa. He stated that Africa must host under optimal conditions. Despite his satisfaction with the infrastructure, President Faye stressed that the event's success hinges on fulfilling all commitments made to the International Olympic Committee IOC, not just the timely delivery of facilities. He reiterated his high expectations for the coming months, asserting that partial success is unacceptable for an event of this magnitude. President Faye concluded that true satisfaction would only be achieved when all commitments are honored in accordance with the IOC's specifications.
Ousmane Sonko, leader of Pastef, called for serenity and restraint among party members regarding recent departures. Speaking in Khombole during the launch of the party's membership card sales campaign, Sonko emphasized respect for individual liberties, stating that every citizen is free to join or leave a political party. He urged supporters to remain focused and avoid commenting on the resignations, highlighting that new members are continuously joining the party. Sonko also suggested that excessive reactions to departures can inadvertently give more visibility to those leaving. He advised members to wish them well and concentrate on the party's objectives and grassroots mobilization, rather than engaging in polemics. This statement is part of Sonko's tour to support the membership card sales campaign, which the party views as crucial for its structure and preparation for upcoming political events.
The search for Senegal's new national football team coach continues following the dismissal of Pape Thiaw, who was removed after the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup by Belgium. Patrick Vieira was initially considered the frontrunner, with reports indicating advanced discussions with the federation. However, Hervé Renard has now entered the race, according to L'Équipe, adding a new dynamic to the selection process amid ongoing turbulence in Senegalese football. Pape Thiaw's dismissal occurred on the night of July 11-12, 2026, after a unanimous decision by the Senegalese Football Federation FSF following a 14-hour meeting in Dakar. Despite a record of 20 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses in 29 matches, and leading Senegal to a continental title against Morocco, his early World Cup exit led to his removal. Patrick Vieira, born in Dakar and a former French international, co-founded the Diambars academy. He has been without a club since leaving Genoa in November 2025. While discussions are reportedly advanced, some observers view his lack of national team coaching experience as a risk. His appointment would also mark a shift from locally trained coaches like Aliou Cissé and Pape Thiaw to an expatriate. Hervé Renard, known for his extensive experience in African football and with national teams, particularly Tunisia, presents a more experienced option. However, his potential cost is a concern for the FSF, which is reportedly facing financial challenges. Another name, Habib Bey