Sought after Senegal
Former Gabon selector, Gernot Rohr
The Franco-German technician led Gabon to the Afcon 2012 quarter-finals, before being replaced on the bench of the Panthers by the former coach of Burkina Faso, Paulo Duarte, and is at present seeking a new challenge managing a national team.
The current coach of the “Mourabitounes” of Mauritania, Patrice Neveu has affirmed that he is looking for a better position.
These two applications have followed those of the former coaches of Mali and of Côte d’Ivoire, Alain Giresse and François Zahoui.
But the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football has not written off a local appointment, and have contacted former international defender, Pape Fall.
The latter says he is very honoured and touched by this show of confidence by the President of the FSF, but is still hesitant.
Fall, the current assistant coach of SM Caen, has admitted being in contact with the President of the Federation for some time now and says he would like to discuss the matter with his club, family and friends.
But the former Olympique Marseille player nevertheless remains very motivated by the idea of joining the Lions.
"I have always been interested in the well-being of the national team after having defended its colours and it is an honour for me to serve my country."
Joseph Koto, the temporary coach of the Teranga Lions since the eviction of Amara Traoré following the catastrophic Afcon 2012 campaign, could well put an end to the suspense in the race by seeing himself confirmed at the prestigious position.
The former Jeanne d’Arc player, whose recent achievements read very favourably with two victories against Morocco and Liberia, and a draw against Uganda, received some valuable support in the form of praise from the new Lions’ captain, Papiss Demba Cissé.
For the Newcastle player, "Koto produced results; he has not lost a match in three clashes. We are lucky to have a group of young and talented players, eager to learn and who could progress with him."
But the former FC Metz player hastened to make it clear that his point of view does not count in the choice of the new coach and reacting to the need to find a local or a foreign coach, said he hopes for “a coach who will allow Senegalese football to move forward”.
The future selector of the Senegal Lions will be made known at the end of June.
The future selector of the Senegal Lions will be made known at the end of June.
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