Gambia: Return of former coach Sang Ndong

The former coach of the Gambia, Sang Ndong has been reappointed by the country.

He has agreed to a two-year deal.

Sang’s last stint with the West African country was in 2003.

He steps down as coach of local side Hawks.

Ndong’s first competitive games will be home and away of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mauritania in March.

“Our objective now is to rebuild. We’re not saying there’s nothing on the ground – there is,” he says.

“But we want to take it from where it is, to another level and to change, not the brand the national team is using, but the face of the national team, how we see our national team.”

In the past, he served as technical director with The Gambia Football Federation.

“Coaching the national team is the easiest job one can do here but looking into the problems of the national team is where experience and knowledge, support, motivation matters.

“I accepted this position for the simple reason that I am a Gambian, I am a coach.

“I want to help set the standard for Gambian coaches, for us to be recognised – to be respected, to be given the opportunities and to be supported.”

He replaces Swiss coach Raoul Savoy who left in December.

The Gambia are currently third in their Nations Cup qualifying group.