Cameroon appoints Rigobert Song as new manager
Cameroon have named Rigobert Song their new national team coach, following the dismissal of Antonio Conceicao.
In a statement released by the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) on Monday, February 28, which was signed by Cameroon’s Minister of Sports Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, the order to appoint Song came from the country’s president Paul Biya.
Conceicao took over the managerial job in 2019 and led Cameroon to a third-place finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which was held on home soil this January. But the FA decided to part ways with the coach and appointed Song.
“The Cameroonian Football Federation announces to the public opinion and the family of the sport, the end of the contract of coach Antonio Conceicao,” read a statement from Fecafoot.
“This is an opportunity to thank all his staff for the work done within our national selection. The upcoming deadline for our national team requires new orientations and a new breath. We wish all the best in the future.”
Song retired from professional football in 2010.
He has coached the home-based Cameroon team between 2016 and 2018 before moving to the U23 team.
The 45-year-old played 137 matches for the Indomitable Lions with five goals to his name.
He also helped them win the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations titles followed by a final place in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup.
He will be assisted by former Kenya and Congo coach Sebastien Migne
Cameroon’s next match will be against Algeria in the final play-off match on March 25 and 29 for a place in the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar.