Togo Appoints Tchanilé Tchakala as New Coach Amid Calls for Stronger Support
Togo’s national football team has appointed Tchanilé Tchakala, former assistant to Didier Six, as the new head coach on a six-month contract. His primary mission is to guide the Hawks to qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
One of the candidates for the position, Akpaloo Gnavor, expressed his support for the decision but stressed the importance of backing the new local coach with adequate resources. Speaking to africatopsports.com, Gnavor urged Togolese football authorities to ensure Tchakala receives the same conditions as foreign coaches.
“This isn’t the first time Togo has had a local coach, but I hope this time he’ll be given all the necessary means for success,” said Gnavor. He emphasized that Tchakala should be empowered to select his own staff and players, be properly remunerated, and be allowed to work without undue interference.
Gnavor added: “The contract is just a detail, a paper problem to be resolved—it’s what happens around it that really counts.” He highlighted that for Tchakala to succeed, he must have full control over the team environment and not be subjected to external pressures.
Although disappointed not to have been selected, Gnavor remains committed to Togolese football. “Every applicant can be disappointed not to be chosen, but not rejected. Patriotism takes precedence over personal disappointment. I want to contribute to the success of Togolese football with solidarity and unity.”
Togo currently competes in Group E of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, facing Guinea, Ghana, and either Equatorial Guinea or Uganda. The new coaching appointment marks a fresh chapter as the Hawks aim to secure their place in the continental tournament.
