By Sulayman Bah
Sang Ndong -pictured- is the new coach of the Gambia national team replacing departed Raoul Savoy.
The Banjul Hawk’s gaffer takes up the position at an unveiling done yesterday at Football House, filling a hot-seat vacated by 41-year-old Savoy.
The new role means Ndong –who’d assumed the role before – will lead the Scorpions for two years beginning with the remaining Afcon qualifier matches for Gabon 2017.
Details of the contract including the agreed wage scale are undisclosed.
An array of local-based coaches were interviewed, including Alagie Sarr and the U-20’s Omar Sise before the football federation and government settled for Sang Ndong.
The current Hawks’ coach who stood between the sticks for the national team will face an arduous responsibility of leading a Gambian side whose chances of qualification hangs on a thin thread.
Mauritania will be his first assignment an outfit he will face –likely in Senegal – in under forty-days.
“One of the reasons why I took up the job at this crucial time is to help set standards for Gambian coaches. To be recognised, to be respected, to be given opportunities and to be supported,” Sang said yesterday on his appointment.
Prior to Sang’s appointment, there has been a growing sense of restlessness from fans over the prolonged delay in announcing a new coach.
Gambia is booted out of the World Cup –losing to Namibia –an abysmal showing which led to Raoul Savoy’s reported axing –though the Swiss coach insists he wasn’t sacked but resigned instead.
The Scorpions are third in Group F on a solitary point behind leaders Cameron and second-placed Mauritania.
