The search for a new coach for the Eagles of Mali has undergone rapid changes in just four days, with initial frontrunners Claude Leroy, Manuel Amoros, and Didier Six being considered to succeed Patrice Carteron, who departed for TP Mazembe.
“We decided to very quickly contact Manuel Amoros (51 years old), Claude Le Roy (65 years old), and Didier Six (58 years old), who did not apply because we want a French coach,” revealed Hammadoun Kola Cissé, president of the FMF, to Jeune Afrique.
As of Monday, afrik.com reported that the Malian Football Federation has narrowed down its choices to four names, excluding Didier Six, Claude Leroy, and Manuel Amoros. The leading contenders now include former Cameroon coach Javier Clemente, Ruud Gullit, Diego Garzitto, and Valdo.
The application process remains open, with the deadline set for the coming Friday. The specified criteria for the coaching position include being a former player with professional coaching experience, a preference for proficiency in French, and a willingness to reside in Mali to actively contribute to the development of national football.
Despite Mali being eliminated from the World Cup qualification for Brazil 2014, the federation has filed an appeal for the Beninese goalkeeper. If accepted, there could be renewed hope for qualification to the World Cup in Brazil.
