Togo’s National Team Coaching Vacancy Remains Unresolved Amid Political Delays
The search for a new coach to succeed Didier Six at the helm of Togo’s national football team remains unresolved, much to the frustration of the Togolese public and the national supporters known as the Hawks. An official announcement regarding the appointment was anticipated last Tuesday, following a key meeting at the Prime Minister’s office the previous Friday, but no decision has yet been made.
During the high-level meeting led by Prime Minister Arthème Ahoomey-Zunu, it was decided that the selection process would be revisited using the shortlist created by the joint technical committee that initially reviewed the candidates in Notsè.
A new committee is to be formed comprising government ministers — including those responsible for Sport, Finance, Labor, and Civil Service — alongside three members of the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) and an external advisor, Elitsa Lanou. The Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff will also attend the interview sessions. This committee will be tasked with reassessing the previous work, including re-examining recorded interviews, whose reliability has been questioned by the FTF president.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of moral integrity in the selection, stressing that “the coach’s integrity” is a key criterion.
Despite these efforts, impatience is growing. Former players and agents have voiced frustration on social media, criticizing the politicization of the process and urging for swift action. “If they cannot identify the best candidate who meets the criteria, they should quickly appoint someone so preparations for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Morocco can begin,” wrote one agent.
The delay has sparked concern among both local fans and Togolese international players, some of whom gathered recently for a friendly match while on vacation in Lomé before returning to their clubs amid transfer windows.
The stalemate raises questions about coordination between the Ministry of Sports and the FTF, with uncertainty surrounding whether the appointment process has effectively stalled.
Among the candidates still in contention for the position are Didier Six himself, Abalo Dosseh, Tom Saintfiet, and Tchanilé Tchakala. Meanwhile, another potential candidate, Hubert Velud, has recently extended his contract with Algerian champions USM Alger, which may affect his availability.
As Togo’s national team looks ahead to crucial qualifiers, the public waits anxiously for clarity on who will lead the Hawks into the coming challenges.
