According to certain sources, Pierre Lechantre is rumored to be the next coach of the Gabon national football team, known as the Panthères du Gabon. The French coach is reportedly the preferred choice of the Gabonese Football Federation.
The official announcement of Lechantre’s appointment is expected in the coming days, pending approval from the Head of State. He is set to succeed Paul Duarté, who was dismissed after the team’s poor performance, despite boasting talents like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Lechantre’s primary objectives will be to guide the Panthers to qualification for the 2015 African Cup of Nations in Morocco and to make a strong showing in the tournament. Additionally, he aims to qualify the team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Lechantre was reportedly chosen over Luis Fernandez, who demanded a higher salary. Lechantre brings a wealth of coaching experience, including notable achievements such as winning the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2000 and being voted the best coach in Africa by CAF in 2000-2001.
His track record also includes reaching the final of the Gulf Cup with Qatar in 2002 and the final of the CAF Cup with Sfaxien Sports Club in 2010. Furthermore, he earned a gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games with Cameroon, serving as the team’s Director of Technical Development. Additionally, he was recognized as the best coach in Asia by the AFC in January 2002.
