Sadio Mane makes manager decision as African icon hired in sweeping new changes

Liverpool hero Sadio Mane has appointed his former Senegal team-mate Lamine Sane as the assistant manager of French club Bourges Foot 18. Mane bought the fourth division side last October after previously providing financial backing to the outfit.

Bourges will be eyeing up promotion from Championnat National 2 after finishing eighth in the division last season.

But ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures, they were occupying the same position after winning just three of their opening 13 matches of the campaign.

And Bourges released a statement on their Facebook page this week that read: “We are delighted to announce the arrival of Lamine Sane in the Bourges FC as assistant coach alongside Romain Revelli for our team developing in National 2.

“Lamine Sane, a Senegalese international with 35 selections, has made his mark on African football by participating in the 2012 and 2015 Africa Cups of Nations.

“His international experience and deep knowledge of football will be valuable assets for Bourges FC.”

Defender Sane made his debut for Senegal in 2010 and appeared right across the backline during his 35 international appearances before retiring from football in 2020. He shared the field with Mane on numerous occasions, with the ex-Liverpool winger winning his 107th cap last month.

Mane left Liverpool in the summer of 2022 to join Bayern Munich after racking up 120 goals and 42 assists in 269 appearances for the Reds.

The 32-year-old, who helped Liverpool win the Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League, lasted just one year in Germany, however, before linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

He has gone on to contribute 24 goals and 16 assists in 69 appearances for the Saudi Pro League club.

And after completing his purchase of Bourges last year, the club wrote in a statement: “Bourges Foot 18 is proud to officially announce the structural support of Sadio Mane. An international star, Sadio Mane is now one of the best footballers in the world.

“Known for his professionalism and strong human values, Sadio Mane is committing to Bourges through Bourges Foot 18 to promote the professionalisation of local football.

“His decision to support the club testifies to his interest in the transformation initiated by the current president Cheikh Sylla and the growth potential that Bourges Foot 18 represents.

“This collaboration promises to bring a new and exciting dynamic to the club and to the entire city. His arrival will have a national and international impact that will shine a light on the Bourges club and the entire community.”