Former France international Hatem Ben Arfa has sent a glowing tribute to Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw following the Teranga Lions’ latest Africa Cup of Nations success.
Former France international Hatem Ben Arfa has sent a glowing tribute to Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw following the Teranga Lions’ latest Africa Cup of Nations success.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Ben Arfa described Thiaw as a “national hero” and even went as far as saying he would like to see a statue of the Senegalese coach erected in Dakar in his honour.
“National hero Pape Thiaw, I would like to see his statue in Dakar! We love you, Senegal,” Ben Arfa wrote, accompanying his message with a heart emoji.
The tribute comes in the wake of Senegal’s dramatic AFCON final victory, a match marked by tension, controversy and ultimately triumph for Thiaw’s men. Under his leadership, Senegal once again proved their resilience and mental strength on the biggest stage, consolidating their status as one of Africa’s dominant footballing nations.
Ben Arfa’s message has been warmly received by Senegalese fans, many of whom already see Thiaw as a symbol of national pride after guiding the team through a difficult and emotionally charged tournament.
For Pape Thiaw, the praise from a well-known figure in European football is another sign of the respect his work is earning beyond Senegal’s borders. And for the Senegalese public, it only reinforces the growing feeling that their coach has written his name into the country’s football history.
Africa Top Sport
