Anthony Da Silva unveils his ambitious plan for Mali’s Aigles

Anthony Da Silva, the newly appointed head coach of the Aigles du Mali, made his inaugural public appearance before the press in Bamako on July 6, 2026, precisely one month after formally signing his contract. The new national team manager presented a comprehensive project centered on high standards, a distinct identity, and an engaging style of play.

The strategic direction is now firmly established. Anthony Da Silva aims to forge a competitive and inclusive national squad, underpinned by unwavering clear principles. His overarching objective is to instill a consistent methodology, rigorous discipline, and a strong culture of peak performance within the team.

“I am committed to dedicating my utmost effort and everything I have to restore joy to the Malian people. This journey will not be without its challenges, but we will progress deliberately, one step at a time,” he articulated, conveying a message that was both measured and aspirational.

To realize these ambitions, the coach plans to clearly define the criteria for national team selection. The established benchmarks are unequivocal: “patriotism, which is non-negotiable; discipline, equally non-negotiable; consistent performance; and a positive mindset.”

A national team that is both open and demanding

Anthony Da Silva affirmed that the door to the national team will remain open to all eligible players, irrespective of whether they play locally or abroad. “Provided players meet the criteria we have outlined, whether they compete in the domestic league or internationally, and regardless of if they are 17 or 35 years old, they will be considered for selection,” he emphasized.

On the pitch, the new leader of the Aigles seeks a more proactive and assertive team. His philosophy is clear: seize the initiative, maintain possession, and dictate the tempo of the game. “I prefer my teams to be protagonists in the game, to control the ball, because it is our responsibility to set the pace.” In the final third, Da Silva desires a team that is “more clinical,” convinced that this crucial element has been lacking for Mali in recent years.

The CAN 2027 qualifiers: the initial challenge

This ambitious project must swiftly yield tangible results. Starting this September, the qualification rounds for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2027 will present the new coach with his first major test. Mali finds itself in a challenging group alongside Cape Verde, a team that delivered a strong performance at the last World Cup, remaining undefeated in regular time against formidable opponents like Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina, as well as Liberia and Rwanda.

To ensure a successful start to his tenure, Anthony Da Silva also underscores the importance of daily collaboration with the Malian Football Federation and the National Technical Directorate. “This is a collective endeavor,” he reiterated, before encapsulating his commitment in three core principles: “honesty, transparency, and immense hard work.”