Rigobert Song will not take charge of the Central African Republic national team as previously announced, marking an unexpected development in the country’s coaching plans ahead of crucial June fixtures.
In early March, Song declared via his official Facebook page that he would assume the role of head coach for the Central African Republic, widely referred to as the “Fauves,” beginning in June.
However, the Central African Football Federation (FCF) has since confirmed that Euloge Enza will instead step in as interim coach for the upcoming international window.
The national team is set to face Mauritania and Niger on 6 and 10 June respectively in two pivotal friendly matches.
With Song now absent from the technical bench, questions have emerged surrounding the reasons behind his withdrawal and the nature of the agreement initially suggested in his announcement.
The FCF has not offered a detailed explanation for the change in plans. Nevertheless, it has publicly affirmed its decision to place Enza in temporary charge of the team, citing the need to ensure continuity and stability as the nation prepares for these key fixtures.
This turn of events has left fans and analysts puzzled. Song, a former captain of the Cameroonian national team and widely recognised for his leadership on and off the pitch, was expected to bring both experience and authority to the Fauves.
His appointment had been seen as a significant coup for Central African football, with hopes that his involvement would help elevate the team’s profile and competitiveness on the continental stage.
Instead, the national team now finds itself entering an important phase of preparation under interim leadership. Euloge Enza, a figure already familiar within the country’s footballing circles, faces the task of managing the team in a period of uncertainty.
His short-term mandate will involve not only securing positive results in the upcoming matches but also maintaining morale in the wake of the confusion surrounding Song’s absence.
The Central African Republic is currently navigating a critical moment in its football development. With the next round of qualification matches for continental competitions on the horizon, the lack of a permanent head coach could have implications for the team’s tactical planning and long-term progress.
The federation’s announcement did not specify whether discussions with Song had fully broken down or whether future negotiations remain possible. As a result, speculation continues over whether the former Cameroon coach may still be in line for a role with the team at a later date.
For now, supporters of the national team must wait to see how the situation unfolds. The June fixtures will offer a glimpse into the direction the squad is heading under Enza’s interim stewardship.
Whether this temporary arrangement becomes permanent—or paves the way for Song’s eventual arrival—remains to be seen.
The uncertainty leaves the Central African Republic’s coaching future in question, with both fans and stakeholders eager for clarity ahead of the next chapter in the nation’s footballing journey.
