Rigobert Song recent appointment as new coach of Cameroon’s senior national soccer team seems to be the latest controversial decision by the The Federation of Cameroon Football (FECAFOOT). This is perhaps regarding multiple reactions, following the appointment of former Indomitable captain.
Unlike Samuel Eto’o, who has gone in firing in all cylinders, from the moment he was elected Fecafoot president, proving to be the right man for his position in just a few months, there could be many questions to be asked about his compatriot’s ability to lead the lions, following his previous records as manager. Song without doubts is one of the most celebrated and loved Cameronian players, so it’s fair to say many are happy he’s the one for the job, buy you can’t blame them for worrying if he’ll keep their hopes flying.
In a country where peace has been absent for over five years, the revival of Soccer, could likely be the only possible unifying tool, where other strategies seem to have failed woefully. This is why the people’s mix feelings about the appointment of Song can’t be ignored.
Cameroon has been an Iconic soccer country for the longest time as far as the African continent is concerned. The country which stands second on the chart of highest number of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) wins after Egypt, has produced one of the best anf popular players from the continent who’ve equally dominated in other parts of the globe.
Apart from the Iconic Samuel Eto’o, who didn’t only win the African player of the year four good times, but emerged as the highest Goal scorer of the competition severally, also emerged as second best player according according FiFA classification alongside Frank Lampard and Ronaldinho, Rigobert Song though a defender, also made a lasting impactduring his playing days. Besides being one of the most feard African defenders, who captained his country to win honors, he also played for some big European clubs like Liverpool, Westham United, RC Lens, just to name a few.
Rigobert Song had a laudable career as a player, captaining his Country to several global competitions. It’s worth noting that as a player, he was a success, but it’s now left to wonder whether he would be successful as a Manager or coach, but his stats are quite worrisome.
Since resigning from professional football, Song made his managerial ambitions known on 2015. Firstly, he was linked with a call by the Chadian National team, a deal that little or nothing could be said about as it was never finalized.
He was assigned Manager of Cameroon A’ team in 2016, comprised of players based in Cameroon. This team would end bottom of their group recording two losses and a draw in 2017. This could have been disappointing, but could also be considered a trial or a first attempt, considering he had just recovered from a damaging cerebral or brain aneurysm, which kept him in coma for two days.
This same year 2017, Cameroon’s National team won the AFCON in Gabon as the underdogs of the competition. Song was later appointed as Caretaker of the National team. Note should be taken that he was amongst the 88 applicants who were aspiring for the lead coaching job. This was after the sacking of Hugo Broos, who had won the AFCON with Cameroon, but failed to deliver in the Confederations Cup in Russia and failure to qualify the Lions for the World Cup that same year.
Fast forward, Cameroon ‘s poor performance in Egypt in 2019, saw another coaching staff reshuflement. The country which was a potential host, before falling of the pecking order due to poor infrastructure and lack of stadia, would surrender that year to Egypt and rather host the 2021 edition, though played in 2022.
This edition came with António Conceiçáo as new Indomitable Lions coach. After the hopes of Cameroonians were raised in 2017 following their win in Gabon, and then disappointing in the subsequent years, the new coaching staff knew exactly what was awaiting them, especially taking responsibility of a country that has a history of changing managers like female pads.
Well, Conceiçáo’s regime might not have won the AFCON, emerging as third in the competition and recording just two losses in 24 matches. This explains why many fans think his ousting was premature.
The underlying questions are: Could Senegal’s AFCON win with their former captain Aliou Cissé, and Nigeria’s win With former defender Stephen Keshi (Of blessed Memory) and Ghana’s with Stephen Appiah, all be the inspiration to Song’s appointment?
After very unsuccessful spells with the teams he has been responsible for, it’s had for fans to not be worried about the future of the a team that has been showing many signs of maturity and progress. Song’s appointment as manager a few weeks before Cameroon’s world cup play off clash can’t make Cameroonians more scared. After having been the Caretaker of the same team, the consolation can only be that he knows the team. So fans can only keep their fingers crossed and watchout for the outcome.
Being someone who had submitted his candidacy for this same job, it can be said that he is ready for the responsibility, especially as he knows what it takes to keep the Lions roaring. It won’t be milk and honey at all, but it could equally be an opportunity for Cameronians to believe in the new Era.
In your opinion, Can Rigobert Song, 45, keep the Lions roaring after this latest third place finish?
