Serge Akakpo Steps Down as Vice-Captain of Togo Ahead of 2015 CAN Qualifiers
BBC-style report – under 500 words
In a significant development for Togolese football, Serge Akakpo has announced his decision to step down as vice-captain of the Togo national team, the Hawks, just two weeks ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifying campaign.
The defender, who currently plays for Ukrainian club Hoverla in the country’s top division, made the announcement on his official Facebook page, explaining that the decision follows a period of deep personal reflection.
“I wish to announce that for the qualifiers for CAN Morocco 2015, taking place from September to November next year, I have decided to no longer hold the position of vice-captain or any role related to the captaincy,” Akakpo stated. “This is partly because I want to rediscover the feelings I had when I first joined the national team — simply as a player defending the colours of my homeland.”
Akakpo, who was trained at the renowned French club AJ Auxerre, cited personal reasons for stepping back from leadership duties. “I want to focus entirely on my performance during the upcoming campaign and give my all on the pitch to help Togo qualify for CAN 2015 by any means necessary,” he added.
For the past two years, Akakpo has served as vice-captain of the Hawks and has frequently worn the captain’s armband in the absence of the team’s main skipper, Emmanuel Adebayor, who has missed several matches due to various reasons.
The move marks a change in the leadership structure of the Togolese squad as they prepare for the crucial qualifying matches. Akakpo’s decision reflects a desire to concentrate fully on his role as a player without the added responsibilities of captaincy, aiming to contribute effectively to the team’s success on the field.
With the qualifiers fast approaching, Togo will be hoping that this shift helps the squad focus on securing a place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
