Former Cameroon skipper and national footballing legend Rigobert Song has opened up on the fracas surrounding his appointment as head coach of Central Africa Republic.
The former Indomitable Lions defender’s appointment as the head coach of the Central African Republic's national football team has ignited a clash between the Ministry of Yourth, Sports and Civic Education and the Central African Football Federation (FCF).
The ministry officially announced the appointment of Song as the national coach with a two-year contract and a monthly salary reported to be in the region of 4,500,000 FCFA (almost $7,500 USD). This decision was followed by a meeting between the former Liverpool defender and Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
However, the FCF, led by Sélystène Yanindji, expressed its displeasure with this appointment, citing lack of proper consultations and in the process declaring that Éloge Enza-Yamissi would remain the interim coach.
Rigobert Song spoke to Canal+ Sport Afrique to clarify the situation and as well calm tensions:
“I think things moved very quickly in the sense that the ministry should have first consulted the federation, which is the technical body. I asked for an agreement to be reached before signing and working under the best conditions.” Rigobert Song said.
Central Africa Republic are set to resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Mali, scheduled for March 19 and 24. Les Fauves sit fifth place in the six-team group with four points from four matches, five points back of Group I co-leaders Comoros and Ghana.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group I (4 matches played)
Points | |
Comoros | 9 |
Ghana | 9 |
Madagascar | 7 |
Mali | 5 |
Central African Republic | 4 |
Chad | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
Comments