Sébastien Siani: "I was one of the lucky ones"
Now retired, Sébastien Siani is preparing for life after playing. The former Cameroon international wants to become a coach.
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Sébastien Siani has called time on his career. In the summer of 2022, when he was approaching his 36th birthday, the former Cameroon international (28 caps, 2 goals) retired from playing. The Douala native was then at Knokke in the Belgian Nationale 1. Belgium was in fact his stomping ground, as he first played there from 2005 to 2018. Then, after a two-year spell in Saudi Arabia, the former defensive midfielder returned.
Looking back, Sébastien Siani says his career was a pleasure from start to finish. The highlight was winning the AFCON in 2017 with Cameroon. "I only had good times. From my debut at Anderlecht right through to the end at Knokke. I was one of the lucky ones because I had a fine career in the end. Not a Lionel Messi career, but it was wonderful for my family and those close to me. I have no regrets and I have good memories from every club. Winning the AFCON in 2017? The Holy Grail! You can't dream of anything better than that," he said to Walfoot.
A coaching career in the making
However, Sébastien Siani has no intention of turning his back on football. Having played for Anderlecht, Zulte Waregem, Union SG, Saint-Trond and Ostend, among others, the Indomitable Lion has built up a wide network. It is at Ostend that he can plan his future coaching career. He is in fact assistant coach of the club's U18s.
"I work alongside Michiel Jonckeere, whom I have known for more than ten years. We won the D2 title together. Working together is going really well. I love what I do, I learn every day and I adapt. I have always liked guiding young players and listening to them. Being able to share my experience and what I have learned is exciting. And I'm working at a club I know well. There are young talents who need to be given time to grow and who could be knocking on the first team's door in a few years. I hope KVO stay up. You have to keep the faith," said Sébastien Siani.