Walter Wilson Nana, AfricaNews reporter in Buea, Cameroon
François Zahoui appointed the head of the technical bench of the Ivorian national team. FA statement read: "We have the pleasure to inform the local and international community that Mr François Zahoui, formerly coach of the national junior team, has been selected by the FIF as the new national coach of Cote D'Ivoire."
The 48-year-old Ivorian, who was in temporary charge of the team for their recent friendly win over Italy in London, takes over from Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson, who held a short-term appointment for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Earlier, the Ivorian Football Federation, had discussed with Frenchman Gerard Gili, who even made the trip to Abidjan. Gili, however, withdrew his interest saying that the Ivorian players were opposed to his appointment.
As a player Zahoui made his name with French club; Nancy and also played for the national team. He has coached the national Under-20 side and has had periods at Africa Sports in Abidjan and French side Toulon.
Ivory Coast will kick off their 2012 AFCON qualifiers early September in Group H alongside Rwanda, Benin and Burundi.
François Zahoui appointed the head of the technical bench of the Ivorian national team. FA statement read: "We have the pleasure to inform the local and international community that Mr François Zahoui, formerly coach of the national junior team, has been selected by the FIF as the new national coach of Cote D'Ivoire."
