African champion with Côte d’Ivoire in 2015, Siaka Tiéné has efficiently transitioned right into a key position in CAF competitions As Basic Coordinator, he oversees each logistical element to ensure optimum situations for groups Drawing on his enjoying profession and administration research, he combines sporting experience with administrative rigor
In 2015, after lifting the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations with Côte d’Ivoire, Siaka Tiéné hung up his boots to start a brand new chapter of his profession. Whereas many former gamers select to remain near the pitch as coaches or pundits, he most well-liked a job the place his on-field expertise might serve behind the scenes.
A graduate with a Bachelor’s in Enterprise Administration from the École de Commerce de Lyon, the Ivorian had been getting ready, even throughout his enjoying days, to tackle management and administration tasks in soccer.
In the present day, as CAF’s Basic Coordinator of competitions, he’s chargeable for the complete group of a stadium throughout a event. From coordinating with the Native Organizing Committee (LOC) to checking services, managing mills and locker rooms, nothing escapes his sight.
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Every match turns into a fastidiously orchestrated efficiency the place each element issues, guaranteeing gamers compete in the absolute best situations. Having performed for a number of golf equipment and appeared in seven AFCON tournaments, the previous participant now transforms his expertise into administrative experience, anticipating the wants of groups and technical workers.
His first expertise at Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé confirmed his means to mix nationwide satisfaction with skilled rigor. Being in his homeland, surrounded by household and supporters, by no means distracted him from his tasks.
With 100 days to go earlier than the kick-off of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Siaka Tiéné already observes the keenness and investments deployed by the Kingdom and is satisfied this version will stand as a mannequin of group and excellence.
CAFOnline.com: Let’s return a bit. In 2015, after successful the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title with Côte d’Ivoire, you determined to retire from soccer. At that second, how did you envision the following step of your profession? What choices did you take into account to your post-playing profession?
Siaka Tiéné: I had already began getting ready for this transition throughout my enjoying profession. I did not solely wish to turn out to be a coach, but in addition tackle management roles as a supervisor. That is what led me to pursue the best {qualifications}. I earned a Bachelor’s in Enterprise Administration (BBA) on the École de Commerce de Lyon. This allowed me to remain in soccer, however from a unique perspective–that of a supervisor.
How did the thought of turning into CAF’s Basic Coordinator of competitions come about? What motivated you to tackle this position?
Actually, I needed to place my expertise to make use of on this position. The Basic Coordinator manages all the group, ensuring all the pieces runs easily in a stadium. With my background as a participant, I had already noticed how groups have been obtained, how logistics and procedures labored on the bottom. I knew I might succeed on this position, and that is what pushed me to tackle this new problem.
For our readers, are you able to clarify what the position of a Basic Coordinator of competitions includes? What are the principle tasks and duties?
Primarily, it is a managerial position. For instance, throughout a stadium match, you have to coordinate with the native organising committee and guarantee all the pieces works: floodlights, locker rooms, pitch, technical services… You might want to arrange all essential situations for gamers and groups to carry out at their greatest. It requires a whole lot of work: organizing conferences, checking mills, inspecting services 24 to 48 hours earlier than the match. All the things should be good for the competitors to unfold safely and easily.
Was the transition from footballer to administrative work a pure one?
Sure, the transition was pure. I had anticipated it by incomes my diploma. I used to be already conversant in logistics and occasion group. My research additionally helped me adapt to workplace work and digital instruments. So I did not face main difficulties.
Do you assume what you realized on the pitch as an expert participant nonetheless helps you at the moment in your administrative position?
Completely. Each element I seen on the pitch, throughout coaching and matches, remains to be helpful. My time in numerous golf equipment gave me a whole lot of experiences that now assist me as a Basic Coordinator. It actually helps me perceive crew wants and anticipate conditions on the bottom.
On a private stage, what are your objectives in your new position? What do you hope to convey to CAF and the competitions you oversee?
First, I wish to share the expertise I’ve constructed up through the years and throughout the numerous AFCONs I performed in. My purpose is to contribute to the optimum group of competitions so that each one groups and gamers carry out beneath the perfect situations doable.
Your first expertise as Basic Coordinator passed off on the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé, Côte d’Ivoire. Are you able to inform us the way you skilled that first mission?
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It was really an honour and a pleasure to host AFCON in Abidjan. Participating within the group whereas bringing in my expertise was very enriching. Everybody remembers that version due to the keenness it generated and the standard of its group. It was rewarding to work in my nation and contribute to a event of that stage.
How did you handle the stability between the satisfaction of being Ivorian and the skilled rigor your place calls for?
You might want to keep a continuing skilled customary. Even when in your coronary heart you help your nationwide crew, at CAF you can not present favouritism. It was a problem, but in addition a terrific expertise. Being in your nation, with followers and household round, naturally motivates you. However on the bottom, you have to stay neutral {and professional}.
In 100 days, the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 will kick off in Morocco. How do you see this version, and what are your expectations as Basic Coordinator?
I can already see the keenness and the appreciable funding by the Moroccan state to host an distinctive AFCON. This advantages all groups, gamers, and supporters. I’m satisfied this will likely be a terrific version, as Morocco will put all the pieces in place to make sure the absolute best situations for everybody.
