Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
This decision to delay the signing of the contract may be the result of the position of the Central African Football Federation, which remains unchanged to date. Célestin Yanindji, president of the FCF, reiterates that only the Federation has the power to appoint a coach to take charge of the Bas-Bangui team, as he was neither involved in nor consulted about the appointment of Rigobert Song as coach-manager of the Central African football team.
Interviewed by journalist Nana Paul Sabin in Douala on the sidelines of the U17 Morocco 2025 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the Japoma stadium (CAR-Sierra Leone 0-2), the head of the Central African Football Federation was adamant. “The recruitment of a national coach for the Central African football team is the exclusive duty of the federation’s executive committee,” reiterated Célestin Yanindji. This could complicate the signing of Rigobert Song’s contract with the executive committee of the Central African Football Federation. Rigobert Song returned last week without being validated by the Central African football body, even though the contract was due to be signed on 15 January. But “Rigo” has come to a standstill.
Rigobert Song supported by the Central African authorities
The former Indomitable Lions coach is facing a similar scenario to that of Marc Brys when the latter was appointed by Mouelle Kombi in April 2024. In the CAR, Song was chosen by the state and the government, according to Rodolphe Héritier Doneng, the country’s Minister of Youth, Sport and Civic Education.
“The national team is the property of the state. The decision has already been taken. Mr. Coach, I reaffirm the confidence placed in you by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Sport and all the people of the Central African Republic. The contract will be signed. I am putting you at the disposal of the Central African Football Federation. It will be responsible for working with you. Our objective is to be qualifiedllla for the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup. I wish you every success,” stated Rodolphe Héritier Doneng.
Rigobert Song remains confident
Rigobert Song remains confident about his position as coach of Bas-Oubangui. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, the former Indomitable Lions captain believes that signing the contract is just a formality. “Once you’ve received the approval of the Central African Republic’s top sportsman, who is the head of state, do you still need to sign anything else? When you have missions, you must first step and then we’ll see,” Song asserted.
However, the controversial coach would like for there to be an understanding between the two parties in order to create a good working atmosphere. “At some point, I think there will be a good working relationship that will allow everything to run smoothly,” he says.
