Rigobert Song will coach the Central African Republic national football team for the next two years, following his appointment on January 16.
The Cameroonian will replace Raoul Savoy, who failed to get the Central African country qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
As a reputable tactician, Song will have an uphill task of getting the Fauves qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision to get the former Indomitable Lions coach appointed, was taken by the government, a scenario similar to what occurred in Cameroon when he was replaced by Belgian tactician Marc Brys two years ago.
The CAR Sports Ministry announced the appointment of the Cameroonian, following a Presidential decree. The country’s football federation rejected the appointment, indicating that the government did not follow the texts in place. The Central African Republic Football Federation said they only saw information about the appointment on social media.
“The Central African Republic Football Federation discovered with surprise through social media, the appointment of the coaching staff of the senior national team” the statement said.
“Decisions concerning the recruitment of members of various structures have to stay within the competence of the executive committee of the federations,” the communique added.
Resting time over
Rigobert Song had a thrilling experience with the Cameroon national football team, in a two-year stint which ended in February 2023. After he was replaced by Marc Brys, he stayed out of the coaching job for close to two years.
The job with the Central African Republic once more puts the former captain in the spotlight as he will be expected to use his experience with the Lions, to boost the performance of the Fauves.
The 54-year-old’s appointment was personally endorsed by Central African Republic President, Faustin Touadera, days before he was appointed, he met with the President, and expressed his commitment to using sports to bring change in the country. “I am convinced that sport can play a crucial role in building a stronger, more united society” he said.
During his presentation to the public on Thursday, January 16, he appreciated the opportunity to coach the national team. “I am delighted and I will fully dedicate myself to this task” Song said.
“I am fully aware of the expectations that come with this position, and I am determined to work beside my technical team and other officials of the federation to ensure that we qualify for the different international matches” he added.
Rigobert Song’s first game with the Fauves comes up in March against Madagascar and Mali, for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Coaching experience
Song’s time with the Indomitable Lions was marked by several accomplishments. Taking the top job of the country’s national football team, was a daring move, as he was initially considered not to have sufficient coaching experience, with little success with the Intermediate Lions, and the Chad national football team.
He took Cameroonians by surprise when he qualified the Indomitable Lions for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Cameroon defeated Brazil, setting a record as the first African country to accomplish the feat at the World Cup finals.
The iconic former defender also got Cameroon qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast where they reached the quarter-finals.
Rigobert Song is one of the most respected football figures in Africa. He has won two AFCON titles and played in four World Cups as a player, and one as a coach.