The coach of the Mambas national team, Chiquinho Conde, shared his impressions after the team's first training session in Bamako, as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Despite the challenges faced in the Malian capital, Conde maintains an optimistic and confident attitude, praising the dedication and professionalism of his players.
Challenges in Bamako and Adapting to the Synthetic Field
Conde acknowledged that the conditions in Bamako are not ideal for his team, something he admits is a common reality in various parts of Africa. “The environment in Bamako is not favorable for our team, but that’s something we expected. We train on an artificial pitch, which adds a degree of difficulty, but the players are adapting well,” the coach stated.
The synthetic pitch may present an additional challenge for the Mambas, especially considering that many players are more accustomed to playing on natural grass pitches. However, Chiquinho Conde expressed satisfaction with his players' dedication during training, highlighting the team's ability to adapt quickly to adverse conditions.
I regret the absence of Witines and hope for the arrival of Shaquille.
One of Conde's points of concern is the absence of Witines, whose presence is felt in the team, especially in decisive games like this one. "I regret Witines' absence; he is a fundamental player for us," said the coach, demonstrating the athlete's importance to the team's strategy.
On the other hand, Conde expressed hope for the imminent arrival of Shaquille, another key player who could strengthen the team for the match against Mali. Shaquille's presence would be a great boost for the Mambas, who need all the strength available to face the Malian national team.
Optimism in the Quality and Professionalism of the Players
Despite the challenges, Chiquinho Conde maintains a positive outlook on the team's prospects. "It's fantastic to be back with these wonderful and professional players. The players' dedication is fantastic. With the structure we have, we can approach the games with optimism," declared the coach.
Conde believes that, with the dedication and professionalism the players have shown, the team is well prepared to face the challenges in Bamako and fight for a good result in the first match of the qualifying phase. He emphasizes that the team's structure, combined with its spirit of unity and commitment, will be crucial to overcoming adversity and ensuring a competitive performance.
