Women's football in Burkina Faso - Véronique Yonli: "We need rigour and discipline"

How did you find the Étalons Dames over the two games against Burundi?

Véronique Yonli: Football doesn't stand still. It evolves, and so do the people in it. The Étalons Dames are a young side who are improving and have a bright future ahead of them in women's football on the continent. As we all saw, the first leg against Burundi, won 1-0, was nothing like that. Apart from the goal from a free kick, we didn't see our players in the tactical system the technical staff had put in place. But that can be explained by the fact that the eleven professionals called up had trouble joining the group. As a result, they couldn't take part in the training camp with the others. But after the first leg and the training sessions, we noticed they had managed to take on the tactical system. That allowed them to show their strength in Burundi in the second leg (win 3-1).

Looking back with a bit of perspective, would you say the path is set and that the team can now become regular qualifiers for the Women's AFCON?

Véronique Yonli: Yes, but only if we want it. There has to be will behind it. We have to work, and the work has already begun. The players are aware of it, and so is the technical staff, and when you watch the women's national top-flight league being played, you'll see there is real substance. We have potential.

Read also: Burkina Faso: new technical centre and headquarters under FIFA impetus

What needs to be done right now to secure a second Women's AFCON qualification?

Véronique Yonli: We need rigour and discipline. We know the match in the second and final round of qualifying for the 2026 Women's AFCON is in eight months, and that there is a possibility we won't be in competition at that point. So we will have to work to have players in form for that period. We all know there will be a long break after the end of the current season's matches. They can manage themselves to maintain their physical condition individually. Apart from the get-togethers, they have to work to keep a minimum level of upkeep themselves and not let themselves go.

But how will they know they will be called up, given that they won't be playing?

Véronique Yonli: I can tell you that the potential players who will be called up know it. So, apart from a staff behind them, every player must have the will and the motivation to maintain her fitness.

What is the difference between the transfer of a player from the local league to Europe, for example, and that of a female player?

Véronique Yonli: In women's football, you can't send a player on a trial through her club the way it's done in the men's game, where players are sent for trials. For female players, it goes through the national team. I've always told the girls to keep themselves regularly on the move, because the shop window for you to become marketable or to catch the eye of recruiters or coaches is the national team. So don't play for the technical staff, play for yourselves first. The proof is that those who were in Morocco have stayed professional and got contracts. That means that if we go to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations again, other players will have the chance to become professionals. In women's football, it is difficult for a girl to get a plane ticket to go to Europe for a trial or a training stint.

Burkina Faso vs Togo next October: what advice do you have for the players?

Véronique Yonli: I'm going to ask the girls to stay focused at all times, because Togo were at the 2022 Women's AFCON. And that team has gained experience. The proof is that they beat Djibouti 10-0 on aggregate over the two games of the first round of qualifying. In other words, they are a very attacking side and the Burkinabè defence must stay focused. They have to do what they are used to doing to give themselves the chance to qualify for the Women's AFCON a second time.