Emerse Faé’s journey to becoming the head coach of Côte d’Ivoire’s national football team has been nothing short of remarkable.
As a former midfielder who wore the Ivorian jersey with pride, he now carries the weight of a nation’s hopes on his shoulders, guiding the team through some of the most crucial moments in its footballing history.
His story, especially after leading his team to victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is a testament to the resilience and determination of both the man and the team.
On February 11, 2024, Faé captured the hearts of Ivorians and the African footballing world with his tactical brilliance.
Leading Côte d’Ivoire to AFCON victory on home soil is no easy feat, but for Faé, it was the culmination of a journey filled with belief, passion, and unwavering dedication.
Reflecting on his decision to take charge of the team, Faé admits that the opportunity to lead his country was one he embraced without hesitation. “It’s my country, and I love my country,” he says.
“I’m not afraid of challenges or objectives, nor of taking risks.” His love for Côte d’Ivoire and his belief in the team’s potential drove him to accept the position, knowing full well the weight of expectations that came with it.
Faé’s appointment was not without its risks. He had been relatively unknown in coaching circles, and failure at AFCON could have jeopardized his future opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire and Africa.
But his belief in the team’s abilities and his faith in a higher power saw him through. “Thanks to God, we found success,” he acknowledges, crediting his faith for the triumph that followed.
That victory transformed Faé’s life in more ways than one. In the aftermath of AFCON, he quickly became a household name, not only in Côte d’Ivoire but across Africa.
“It’s quite difficult to go out in Abidjan or even anywhere in Africa,” he admits, laughing at the attention he now attracts from fans.
While his fame has skyrocketed, Faé remains humble, taking the time to interact with supporters, pose for photos, and engage in football discussions.
His approachable nature has endeared him further to the Ivorian public, and he relishes the connection he shares with fans across the continent.
Central to Faé’s success has been his ability to transform the mindset of the Ivorian team. Côte d’Ivoire had long been seen as a team with immense potential but lacking the confidence to truly dominate.
Faé, with the help of his coaching staff, sought to change that narrative. He instilled a fighting spirit in the team, something he believes was critical to their AFCON triumph.
“We transformed the team’s mindset by strengthening the fighting spirit,” Faé explains. “We knew we needed fighters to win this competition, and we managed to instill a warrior spirit in our players.”
The transformation was not just tactical; it was psychological. Faé understood that the team needed a leader who could offer guidance and reassurance during tough moments, someone who could inspire belief.
Under his leadership, Côte d’Ivoire became a team united by a common purpose, determined to seize the opportunity before them. “God gave us a second chance, and it was unthinkable to let it slip away,” Faé says, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.
Faé’s role as a young African coach leading his national team to victory has not gone unnoticed. He understands the importance of his position, not just for himself but for young African coaches across the continent.
“It’s a great honor,” he says, emphasizing the challenges that African coaches face, particularly in Europe, where they are often relegated to assistant roles or youth teams.
Faé’s success is a beacon of hope for aspiring African coaches, showing that with belief and determination, they too can achieve their dreams.
His collaboration with his assistant, Guy Demel, has been another key element of his success. The two share a deep bond, having played together for the national team and maintained a close friendship over the years.
“We are very close,” Faé reveals, describing their partnership as one built on trust and mutual respect. Demel has been a constant source of support for Faé, often stepping in to lighten his workload and allowing him to focus on the team’s performance on the field.
As Faé continues to navigate the challenges of coaching Côte d’Ivoire, he remains focused on the future. His ambitions are clear: to qualify for the next AFCON and prove that the team’s previous victory was not a fluke.
He also has his sights set on the World Cup, aiming to restore Côte d’Ivoire’s place on the global stage. “The World Cup is also a goal,” he says, drawing inspiration from Morocco’s historic run in 2022.
For Faé, the dream is to build a team that not only competes but dominates, bringing glory back to Côte d’Ivoire and creating a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Despite his newfound fame, Faé remains grounded. He enjoys spending time with his people, often declining the need for security or bodyguards.
His connection to the Ivorian public is something he cherishes, and he hopes to continue fostering that relationship as he leads the national team into the future.
Emerse Faé’s journey is one of belief, resilience, and ambition. He has already achieved greatness by leading Côte d’Ivoire to AFCON glory, but for Faé, this is just the beginning.
With his eyes set firmly on the future, he is determined to guide his team to even greater heights, inspiring a new generation of Ivorian talent along the way.
