The Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) has announced a major overhaul of its national team technical staff. Following a competitive recruitment process, Issa Balboné has been selected as the new coach of the women's national team, replacing Pascal Sawadogo. This decision was made public in a statement released on October 6, 2026. Balboné's appointment is part of the FBF's efforts to strengthen the organization and dynamics of its national teams.
The FBF's decision to appoint Balboné is aimed at enhancing the team's preparation for upcoming sports events. According to the federation, the reorganization will enable each team to prepare in the best possible conditions. Balboné has previously worked with various national teams, including the local team that participated in the 2024 CHAN in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. He also served as an assistant to Brama Traoré, the head coach of the senior national team.
Issa Balboné has a proven track record in women's football. In 2021, he supported Pascal Sawadogo in qualifying the women's national team for their first-ever CAN Women's Championship in 2022. Under his guidance, the team successfully qualified for their second participation in the 2026 CAN Women's Championship. The FBF is confident that Balboné's experience and expertise will help the team achieve its goals.
In addition to Balboné's appointment, the FBF has also announced the nomination of Mamadou Zongo, also known as "Bébéto," as the new head coach of the U17 national team. Zongo will be responsible for leading the team's preparation and upcoming competitions. The FBF aims to provide the technical staff with the necessary resources to work effectively and achieve the country's football ambitions.
The FBF's efforts to reorganize its national teams are part of a broader strategy to improve the country's football performance. By appointing experienced coaches like Balboné and Zongo, the federation hopes to enhance the teams' competitiveness and achieve success in regional and international competitions. The appointments are also seen as a way to promote continuity and stability within the teams.
Issa Balboné's experience in women's football makes him an ideal candidate for the job. His previous success in qualifying the team for the CAN Women's Championship demonstrates his ability to lead the team to victory. The FBF is optimistic that Balboné's leadership will help the team build on its past achievements and make progress in the future.
The FBF's decision to appoint new coaches for its national teams has been well-received by football fans and stakeholders. The appointments are seen as a positive step towards improving the country's football performance and promoting the development of young players. With Balboné at the helm, the women's national team is expected to continue its upward trajectory and make a strong impact in future competitions.
Key points
- Issa Balboné has been appointed as the new coach of the Burkina Faso women's national football team, replacing Pascal Sawadogo.
