Lavagne signs government-backed contract to coach Cameroon
- Published
The Cameroon government has rewarded coach Denis Lavagne with a contract following the Indomitable Lions' 1-0 win over DR Congo in a 2014 World Cup on Saturday.
The country's football federation had been paying the Frenchman since taking over from Spaniard Javier Clemente on 29 November.
Lavagne signed a one year renewable deal with the federation and the government on Monday, backdated to November when he took over.
The Indomitable Lions next 2014 World Cup qualifier is on Sunday against Libya on neutral ground in the Tunisian city of Sfax.
He has been appointed to try and revive the fortunes of Cameroon, who missed the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon earlier this year.
The former Coton Sport coach has been set the goal of qualifying Cameroon for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup the following year.
Another objective set for Lavagne and his technical staff is to elevate the Lions up to 20th in the Fifa World Rankings from their current position of 64 and establish them at the top of the standings for Africa.
The coach and his assistants are expected to present a detailed training programme to the Cameroon Football Federation and to live in the country to.
Since taking over Lavagne has led the Indomitable Lions to victory at a mini-tournament in Morocco last year, a 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in the first leg of a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier and a 2-1 success in a friendly against Guinea before Saturday's defeat of DR Congo.
Despite a successful start Cameroonian fans are yet to be convinced by Lavagne's qualifications for the job.
Questions were also asked as he was appointed within days of Clemente's sacking and appeared to be the only person considered for the post.
His time in charge has also been marred by the controversial strike by players following the tournament in Morocco, that lead to the cancellation of a friendly against Algeria and a lengthy ban for captain and main striker Samuel Eto'o.
One of those unhappy with the situation is Indomitable Lions' legend Roger Milla, who described Lavagne's appointment as a shame to Cameroonian football.
Milla has also created a committee aimed at bringing change to football management.
Cameroon's Prime Minister, Philemon Yang, asked to know the circumstances that led to the appointment of Lavagne but has been unmoved by the dissenting opinions.