Kamel Saada (Tunisia): The Bridge Between Generations

CAF

2 days ago

Kamel Saada is leading Tunisia to the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 with a clear ambition: to transmit, structure, and build for the future.
With a new generation of talent and a philosophy rooted in balancing youth and experience, the Tunisian coach aims to embed women's football into the long term
Just days before the kick off in Morocco, Saada outlines his global project to CAFOnline.com, combining detailed preparation, human values, and intergenerational transmission.
At the heart of Tunisia's preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled in Morocco from 5 - 26 July 2025, one man is patiently orchestrating the balance, adjusting the lines, and establishing a vision: Kamel Saada. Appointed head coach in July 2024, he represents a deeper transition than a mere change on the bench.
This coach, trained in youth development—with previous roles as head of the U17s, assistant with the U20s, and rich experience at the national training centre—is now the custodian of an ambitious generational project.
In the world of women's football, which he calls 'an exceptional world,' Saada doesn't just coach: he transmits, elevates, and builds. Beyond the immediate goal of the competition, his eyes are fixed on the future. He speaks of three- to four-year cycles, methodological alignment from U15 to senior levels, and a coherent style of play across all levels—like a shared score that each generation will learn to interpret.
This commitment to structural continuity is rare and valuable.
But this vision cannot exist without the human element. Transmission is at the heart of his daily work. Passing on the knowledge of experienced players like Mariem Houij and Chaima Abbassi to the many young talents integrated into the squad. Sharing the experience of the 2022 quarterfinal run—through videos, stories, advice, and the emotions of narrowly missing out in the final minutes.
In a tough group featuring Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana, Kamel Saada knows Tunisia will need rigor and unity. But he also knows that success goes beyond results. In this interview with CAFOnline.com, he shares a comprehensive project: a strong Tunisian women's football program rooted in training, nurtured by generations, and driven by values of hard work, listening, and trust.
CAFOnline.com: Why did you accept the role of head coach of the women's national team last July?
Kamel Saada: Because I noticed how quickly women's football was progressing. For me, it was a new challenge. I studied the squad, understood the goals of our federation, and that motivated me. My ambition was clear: to shape a new generation, modernize our style of play, and lower the team's average age. We've gone from 28 to 22 years. This is a three- to four-year project with well-defined goals: combine local talent with expatriates, establish solid principles, and develop a competitive team for the long term.
You've worked with youth categories before. What stood out to you when you started with the women's seniors?
During my very first training session, I shared my vision and game principles. And one player seriously asked, 'Coach, are you speaking Chinese?' She didn't understand what I meant. (smiles) That made me reassess my method and simplify my approach. Gradually, the players understood what I was asking for, and I saw how quickly they could progress. After just a few days of camp, we played Tanzania and lost 5–0. But then, against Botswana, we saw clear improvement. I realized the girls have an impressive margin for growth—sometimes greater than the boys—if properly supported.
Where do you currently stand in preparation for the TotalEnergies Women's AFCON?
We've set up a two-month preparation plan. Right now, we're at a training camp in Ain Draham, at altitude. We're working well, with video sessions and tactics tailored to each opponent. We know our group is tough: Nigeria, Algeria, Botswana. Three strong teams we respect a lot. We're preparing match by match with attention to physical, tactical, and mental aspects. All players are present. The mindset is good. We hope to be ready to play a strong tournament.
What are your impressions of Group B?
It's a tough group. Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria. Algeria is improving fast. Botswana too. We're not underestimating anyone. We'll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football. The team that plays smart, cohesive football can pull off surprises. We're preparing for that seriously.
What role do veterans like Chaima Abbassi and Mariem Houij play in this younger squad?
Our philosophy is based on balancing experience and youth. We've kept 7 to 8 key players: Houij, Abbassi, Rouni. They are key references for the group. At the same time, we've integrated 13 new players from the U20s, U21s, even some from U17s, including expatriates. The chemistry is working well, even off the pitch. In the rooms, at meals, in conversations—there's real mentorship. The idea is that the veterans guide the new ones during this generational transition.
Some veterans experienced the exciting 2022 campaign. What do they share today?
A lot. We've watched highlights from that 2022 tournament together—the 1–0 quarterfinal loss, missed chances… They share their stories, offer motivation, and emphasize the details that make the difference: focus, commitment from the first match, the importance of the final minutes. These memories inspire the younger players and help them understand what top-level football means. There's strong cohesion in the group. We're a family—staff, players, everyone. And that solidarity is our strength.
If you had to convince a coach to manage a women's team, what would you say?
I'd tell him it's a whole different world. Exceptional. When you work well with the girls, you see results right away. They're disciplined, attentive, and ready to push their limits. I've coached men's teams, been a technical director, but what I'm experiencing now is unique. You need to understand their sensitivity and mindset. But once trust is built, they give everything. I encourage all coaches to take on this experience.
What are your goals for this TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON? And beyond?
In the short term, our goal is clear: to get past the first round. Then, go as far as possible. But at the same time, we're working on a long-term vision. With the Federation, we've launched a coherent training program, with the same game principles from U15s to the senior team. Some 2008-born players are already with me in the senior squad. The goal is to build a great Tunisian team in three or four years and compete with ambition in future AFCONs—and also in Arab and, why not, global competitions. Inch'Allah.