Gabon sports minister Alain Bilie By-Nze has asked the country’s football federation (Fegafoot) to find a new national team coach within 60 days and disband the team to pave way for new players.
The abrupt decision comes after the current coach’s Daniel Cousin’s failed to lead the team to the Africa Cup of Nations finals after they lost to Burundi.
The 42-year-old formally signed a contract earlier in March despite being confirmed as coach in September.
Cousin’s had a 10-month contract set to end soon after the Nations Cup finals in July, however the deal included a clause if Gabon failed to qualify.
“In case of non-qualification of the national team at CAN 2019, the contract may be broken by mutual agreement of both parties,” the deal stated.
By-Nze, whose ministry is responsible for financing the national team, wants that clause enforced.
“We have given Fegafoot the mission to put an end to the contract of the current coach.” he said.
“The job is now open to Gabonese or foreign coaches and a new coach will be named within 30 to 60 days.”
He went onto say that he wants to create a “winning momentum” for the team.
“We will rebuild the national team on a new basis, by sidelining all those who showed lack of will, lack of patriotism, and who have put forward financial gains at the expense of the nation and team spirit,” he said without naming any specific players.
“We will re-examine the policy of player fees. The goal is not only to reduce costs, but to make sure that those who really deserve it have access to the fees.”
The former Hull City and Glasgow Rangers striker was in charge of Gabon for four Nations Cup qualifying matches as he recorded two wins against South Sudan – home and away, lost to Mali at home and drew away to Burundi.
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