Rigobert Song is a big risk say fans as he takes over as Cameroon head coach
The Cameroonian Football Federation have announced ex-international Rigobert Song as the new head coach of the national team.
Un nouveau staff à la tête des #LionsIndomptables. pic.twitter.com/0v5nCvSSLI
— Les Lions Indomptables Officiel (@LIndomptables) February 28, 2022
This comes after the dismissal of Antonio Conceicao, who was appointed as manager in 2019 and guided the team to a third place finish at the recent Afcon on home soil. The appointment comes after the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) released a statement, signed by Minister of Sports Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, revealing an order from the country’s president, Paul Biya, to appoint Song.
Reacting to the news, fans all over the continent have taken to social media to share their views about the appointment, with many of them unsure of the move. One man who certainly enjoyed the announcement was Song himself.
Look at how Cameroon 🇨🇲 legendary defender Rigobert Song Bahanag (45) reacted to his appointment as the new head coach of the national team.
— African Football Paragon ™️ (@NuhuAdams_) February 28, 2022
A legend's dance 🤩🤩🤩
Cc: @FrancisGaitho pic.twitter.com/vhOnIOBx7z
But most fans were less enthusiastic.
Rigobert Song as a Head coach of Cameroon is a big big risk.
— Babajide Guerrero ||WE ARE LIVE..!!🎤 (@BabajideGuerero) February 28, 2022
As a footballer you can't fault him, as a coach, you must think he's big rookie at this level. .
this is a MASSIVE jump from being u-23 coach. If he pulls this then it's a football miracle. An inexperienced choice.
🇨🇲Cameroon legend Rigobert Song is the new coach of the Indomitable Lions🦁.
— Andrew Randa (@RandaAndrew) March 1, 2022
Not sure what to make of this.
Good luck to him. pic.twitter.com/DyNaqmHHb5
Normally very few will contest Rigobert Song's appointment because Cameroonians really love him.
— NJIE ENOW: MR RAZZMATAZZ (@NjieEnow) February 28, 2022
The issue is the timing.
24 days to a crucial game against Algeria.
If it goes well, that's ok but if Cameroon doesn't qualify, Song's reputation will suffer irreparable damage.
Rigobert Song is not ready enough for this job considering what’s at stake within the next weeks.
— The Oracle™ 🇨🇲🇿🇦 (@valazat) February 28, 2022
However, it wasn’t all negative reactions, with this fan going all CAPS LOCK on his congratulations for the new Cameroon national team manager.
FROM SUCCESS TO SUCCESS, CONGRATULATIONS RIGOBERT SONG BAHANAG, NEW COACH OF THE NATIONAL TEAM PENNANT OF THE INDOMPTABLE LIONS OF CAMEROON. GOOD LUCK IN THIS NEW PATRIOTIC MISSION!#WarriorSpirit pic.twitter.com/ugSQLoA6Og
— Dr Raoul Ruben (@RaoulRuben) February 28, 2022
And the FECAFOOT president himself, Samuel Eto'o, was pleased to have Song leading his national team.
Congratulations @Song_Officiel_4, the new head coach of Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions 🇨🇲 It’s a privilege and honour to once more stand shoulder to shoulder with my former captain, and take our football to new heights. #TeamCameroon #IndompitableLions #AllezLesLions pic.twitter.com/cU3XQTNpir
— Samuel Eto'o (@SamuelEtoo) March 1, 2022
Then there were the dreadlock fans who were sure the braided hairstyle heralded success for the new coach.
LOCKS MOVEMENT!
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) March 1, 2022
🇸🇳 Aliou Cisse
🇨🇲 Rigobert Song
Is your country’s football association on board or they can explain? 😅 pic.twitter.com/sbXYCk7aKB
As Aliou Cissé use dreads win AFCON for Senegal, Cameroon has now appointed Rigobert song.
— ONE KIND GUY 🇨🇲🌪 (@Tkthereal1) February 28, 2022
Former Kenya and Congo coach Sebastien Migne, brings some experience to Song’s backroom staff and their first task will be to secure the FIFA World Cup ticket against Algeria in the FIFA World Cup play-offs.
Do you think they can do it?