Mali’s new coach Anthony Da Silva unveils his ambitious plan for the Aigles
The Aigles du Mali have a fresh start under Anthony Da Silva, who marked his arrival with a press conference in Bamako exactly one month after signing his contract. The Portuguese tactician outlined a clear vision centered on discipline, identity, and high-level performance, aiming to restore pride and competitiveness to the national team.
« My mission is to bring back joy to Malian football fans, » Da Silva declared with cautious optimism. « This won’t happen overnight, but step by step, we’ll build something strong and lasting. » His approach blends ambition with realism, emphasizing a structured, long-term project rather than quick fixes.
Rigorous criteria for selection
Da Silva’s philosophy is simple: excellence is non-negotiable. He has established strict but fair selection criteria: patriotism, discipline, performance, and mental attitude. These values will guide every decision, whether for homegrown talents or players based abroad.
« Our doors are open to all, » he stated. « Whether a player is 17 or 35, whether they play in Mali or in Europe, as long as they meet our standards, they’ll have a chance. » This inclusive yet selective approach aims to unify the squad under a shared identity while tapping into the country’s rich footballing talent pool.
A proactive and decisive playing style
On the pitch, Da Silva intends to transform the Aigles into a dynamic, possession-oriented team that dictates the tempo of matches. « I want my players to be the protagonists, » he explained. « We must control the game, keep the ball, and impose our rhythm. » He stressed the need for greater effectiveness in the final third, a weakness he believes has cost Mali in past competitions.
CAN 2027: The first major test
The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins as early as September, with Mali facing a tough qualifying group alongside Cape Verde, a team that recently held global giants like Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina to draws at the World Cup. Liberia and Rwanda complete the group, offering a balanced mix of competition levels.
To meet this challenge, Da Silva is prioritizing close collaboration with the Malian Football Federation and national technical staff. « This is a collective effort, » he noted, emphasizing three core principles guiding his leadership: honesty, transparency, and relentless hard work. « We will leave nothing to chance. »
