Oscar Barro, the discreet architect of the Little Stallions
Discreet, talented, rigorous are the adjectives that describe Oscar Barro, Head Coach Burkina Faso’s U-17 team. A man shaped by humility and hard work, values rooted in his childhood.
"I am a child from the working-class neighbourhoods, if I can express myself that way. It taught me to be humble, to work hard, and to never forget where I come from," he confides.
This philosophy is one he applies daily, which is evident in his calm demeanour following their 2-1 victory over Cameroon on Monday, 31 March.
"It’s a good thing done. We are all football fans, and we know how important it is to start a competition as demanding as this one well," he emphasizes, carefully choosing his words with calm and clarity.
A Clear Goal: To Reach Greater Heights
But behind this apparent discretion lies a well-defined ambition. After the bronze medal won in the last edition, Burkina Faso wants to take the next step. The country of the Upright Men aims for the top in this category. Barro, who worked as a teacher before fully dedicating himself to football, knows how important transmission and progress are.
"After the game we just played, where we showed great tactical intelligence, there’s no room for hesitation. We aim for the title," he asserts with determination.
The Moment of Genius from Tapsoba
To realize these ambitions, Oscar Barro can count on the talent of his players. Loukman Tapsoba, in particular, left a lasting impression with a stunning goal. With a magnificent lob from around forty meters, he surprised everyone, including the Cameroonian goalkeeper Junior Lopez, who was too advanced to react.
"It’s the most beautiful goal of the competition, and it won’t be dethroned," Barro assures.
Carving His Own Path
Oscar Barro does not see the recent performance of the Little Stallions in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations as a burden but as a stepping stone. The bronze medal won in Algeria in 2023 is a source of motivation and inspiration.
"I wasn’t present in 2023; it was my brother, Brahima Traoré, who was on the bench. We grew up together, sharing the same life values and the same vision of football. He encouraged and advised me a lot before my arrival in Morocco."
A story of transmission and continuity, but also of a unique identity. While Barro follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, he also wants to leave his mark and build his own legacy. With a promising squad and a methodical approach, he knows his team has the opportunity to make history in Burkinabé football.