By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The appointment of Cameroonian football icon Rigobert Song Bahanag as the new head coach of the Central African Republic (CAR) senior men’s national team has hit a significant roadblock. The country’s football association, FCF, has publicly rejected the decision, setting the stage for a potential standoff.
On Monday, January 13, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Civic Education Rodolphe Héritier Doneng announced Song’s appointment with much fanfare. However, the celebration was short-lived. Just a day later, the CAR FA issued a stark communiqué signed by Deputy General Secretary Sylvester Cyril Ouilibozoumna, expressing surprise and dismay at being sidelined in the decision-making process.
Following an extraordinary session held on January 14, the FA formally disassociated itself from the appointment. In a strongly worded statement, the FA declared, “Consequently, it declares that it does not recognize itself in this unilateral decision, contrary to the provisions in force regarding the recruitment of members of the management structures, which must remain within the rights and competencies reserved solely for the executive committee of the federation.”
The FA reiterated its commitment to nationalizing the head coach position for the senior men’s team, despite social media reports indicating that Song has already arrived in CAR.
According to the decree, Song will be assisted by Sebastien Ngato, who successfully qualified CAR for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Additionally, former CAR national team captain Eloge Enza-Yamissi and Frenchman Eric Caballero have been appointed as assistant coaches.
This is not the first time such tensions have arisen in African football. A similar situation unfolded in Cameroon immediately after Song was dismissed in February 2024. The government appointed Marc Brys without the federation’s confirmation, leading to a protracted conflict went on for months but however resolved through a consensus.
In the mean time, sport analysts have warn that the current standoff between the Ministry and the Federation could escalate, potentially undermining the stability and progress of CAR’s national football program. Fans, who were initially jubilant at the prospect of seeing their legendary coach return to action after his recent successes with the Cameroon National Team, are now left in limbo.
All eyes are on the CAR football authorities to see how this impasse will be resolved. The future of the national team hangs in the balance, and decisive action will be crucial to prevent a full-blown crisis.
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