Jorge Costa Takes Charge as Gabon Coach with Eye on 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
Portuguese coach Jorge Costa has been appointed as the new head coach of the Gabon national football team, succeeding Paolo Duarte. During his first press conference in Libreville, Costa outlined ambitious plans aimed at not only qualifying the Panthers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco but also laying a strong foundation for the future of Gabonese football.
Costa expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “My first impression is very good, especially when you have an entire country mobilized—the Ministry of Sports and the federation—all committed to the development of its football. I am very happy to be here in Gabon.”
The former Porto defender emphasized that his role goes beyond managing the senior national team. “It’s the Gabon project that motivated me because it’s a big, long-term project. I’m not just here to work with the national senior team; it’s a whole process that will be put in place to help Gabonese football develop as a whole, starting with the flagship team and extending to the youth levels.”
Looking ahead, Costa set clear targets: “The goal is the 2018 World Cup, but before that, we have the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco where we must qualify. At the same time, we will train the trainers, provide coaching lessons, develop the youth categories, and build a strong foundation to ensure progress beyond 2018.”
Costa’s appointment marks a new chapter for Gabonese football as the nation seeks to make its mark on the continental stage and beyond.
