Senegal’s Media Eagles are set to make history as they gear up for their debut appearance in the CAF Women’s Champions League 2024.
Under the guidance of head coach Mbayang Thiam, the West African side will be representing Senegal on the continental stage for the first time, a feat that has brought excitement and pride to both the team and its supporters.
For Thiam, the significance of this achievement is immense. “It’s a great pleasure,” she said.
“We are really happy to have accomplished this and to be entering the history of this competition in this way. It is truly an honor for me.”
The Eagles earned their spot in the prestigious tournament through a determined run in the WAFU A tournament. From the start, the team had its eyes on qualification, a belief shared by both the players and staff.
“We are a solid team, supported by our leaders,” Thiam explained. “The girls believed in this qualification, and with the help of the staff, the president, and everyone around the team, we made it happen.”
For Thiam, the significance of being a female coach leading her team to this historic achievement cannot be overstated.
During her career as a player, she was coached exclusively by men, which inspired her to break into coaching herself. “It is high time that women occupy this position because we have the capabilities,” she said.
“I have acquired my diplomas, and here I am, leading Aigles de la Medina, where I am perfecting myself with new techniques and modern tools, and the results are there.”
As the Media Eagles prepare to face the top women’s teams in Africa, Thiam knows the importance of being ready for the challenge.
She has been working hard with her squad, focusing on precision in attack and improving their finishing, knowing that the teams they will face will not be easy to break down.
“In the CAF Women’s Champions League, we will face the best teams on the continent, who will not give us easy goals,” Thiam noted.
The team has set its sights on reaching the semi-finals, a goal Thiam believes is within reach, thanks to the quality of the squad and the commitment of the players.
“They are now convinced that all this is possible. There is a strong conviction and good progress mentally. So they tell themselves that reaching the semi-finals is not out of reach,” Thiam said.
Beyond this competition, Thiam sees the broader significance of participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League as a symbol of the growth of women’s football in Africa.
“This is positive, because five years ago, such an idea, like a CAF Champions League dedicated to women’s clubs, would not even have crossed our minds,” she said.
Thiam pointed to the development within Senegal, where the structure of women’s football has rapidly improved.
“Today, many girls play, and there is a real influx of female participation in our sport. Currently, we have 17 teams, including even U-15, futsal—it’s really developing,” she explained.
Despite challenges such as limited resources, the enthusiasm and talent among young girls in Senegal and across Africa are beginning to shine through.
Some players are even finding opportunities abroad, and this success is encouraging more parents to support their daughters in pursuing football.
For Thiam and her team, the experience of competing in the CAF Women’s Champions League is about more than just the matches. It’s about growth and learning. “Participating in this competition is an excellent opportunity,” Thiam emphasized.
“There are so many aspects we have not yet experienced. The matches are intense, which highlights excellent players and quality teams, contributing to our continuous learning.”
As Media Eagles prepare for their historic debut, they are not only focused on their performance on the pitch but also on the significance of their journey for the future of women’s football in Senegal and beyond. This is their moment, and they intend to make the most of it.
