Mali football: anthony da silva outlines vision for aigles du Mali

Anthony Da Silva Unveils Bold Plan for Mali’s National Team

The new coach of the Aigles du Mali, Anthony Da Silva, held his first press briefing one month after signing his contract, setting the tone for what promises to be a transformative era for the national team. On July 6, 2026, in Bamako, Da Silva laid out a vision centered on discipline, identity, and high-performance football.

His mission is clear: to build a competitive squad that balances inclusivity with strict standards. Da Silva emphasized the need for a structured approach, where every decision is guided by a commitment to excellence and a shared sense of purpose.

« My goal is to bring joy back to Malian football fans. This won’t happen overnight, but we’ll take it step by step, » he stated, blending realism with determination in his address.

A team built on principles

To achieve this, Da Silva is implementing strict criteria for selection. « Patriotism is non-negotiable, as is discipline. Performance and mindset also play a crucial role, » he explained. While the door remains open to all eligible players, the standards are high and non-negotiable.

The new coach made it clear that the selection process will be merit-based, regardless of whether a player competes in Mali’s domestic league or abroad. Age is no barrier either, as long as the player meets the defined benchmarks. « From local talents to overseas stars, from young prospects to experienced players, anyone who fits the criteria can be called up, » he affirmed.

Playing with purpose

On the pitch, Da Silva envisions an assertive and proactive team. His philosophy hinges on controlling possession and dictating the game’s tempo. « I want my teams to dominate play by keeping the ball and setting the pace. We must be the ones driving the action, » he explained. In the final third, he insists on a sharper, more decisive edge—a quality he believes has been lacking in recent years.

CAN 2027: The first major test

The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will be the new coach’s first major challenge. Starting in September, Mali will face tough opponents in the qualifiers, including Cape Verde, Liberia, and Rwanda. Cape Verde, in particular, stands out after impressively drawing against football giants Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina in a recent World Cup campaign.

To navigate this demanding path, Da Silva is prioritizing close collaboration with the Malian Football Federation and the National Technical Directorate. « This is a collective effort, » he noted, summarizing his approach with three key principles: « honesty, transparency, and relentless hard work. »

Mohamed Kenouvi