Yaya became the first African coach to guide a team into the UEFA Champions League league phase after qualifying with Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava.
Speaking to SABC Sport during the CAF Strategy Conference on Sal Island in Cape Verde, Kolo described the achievement as the result of sustained preparation and discipline. “That’s an incredible achievement, and I am very pleased,” Kolo said.
“It’s down to Yaya’s hard work and discipline. Yaya has been preparing very well.”
Kolo, a former assistant to Manchester City Head Coach Pep Guardiola, said qualification represented an important milestone for African coaching. “Yaya qualified for the Champions League, which is a huge success, and I hope Yaya has a good tournament,” Kolo said.
“We are so proud of what Yaya is doing as an African, and we hope that more African coaches can follow in Yaya’s steps.”
Kolo also welcomed former France Captain Patrick Vieira’s appointment as Senegal Head Coach.
Vieira, who was born in Senegal and played alongside Kolo at Arsenal, has previously held coaching positions in Europe and the United States.
Kolo said Vieira had remained committed to African football’s development despite representing France during Vieira’s international playing career.
The appointments come amid signs of progress for African football on and off the field.
Nine of Africa’s 10 representatives reached the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic performance for the continent.
Kolo said former African internationals were increasingly using experience gained at leading clubs and competitions to contribute to football development across the continent.
The CAF Strategy Conference also provided Kolo with an opportunity to engage federation Presidents, coaches and other senior football officials.
Kolo attended as a CAF guest and indicated an intention to play a more supportive role in African football.
The 45-year-old used the gathering to build relationships and discuss opportunities to support the development of coaches, players and football structures across Africa.
Kolo said the progress achieved by Yaya and other African coaches demonstrated that the continent possessed the expertise required to succeed at the highest level.
–SABCSPORT/ChannelAfrica–
