Cameroon’s new head coach, Portuguese-born Antonio Conceicao da Silva Oliveira, fondly called Toni Conceicao, has a major task to win Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that the country will host in 2021, Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi said on Friday.

“Cameroon is also counting on the new coach to qualify the country for the 2022 World Cup.” Kombi said.

He made the remark after Toni Conceicao signed a contract in the capital Yaounde, to take over the management of the national football team, the Indomitable Lions.

The details of the contract were not disclosed

“The national football team is the heart of Cameroonians. You are responsible for something very sensitive.” Seidou Mbombo Njoya, president of Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) cautioned the coach after the signing of the contract.

The new coach said he was counting on the collaboration of “everyone” to achieve the results.

“I will do everything in the best interest of the team. We will select the best players both locally and internationally,” he said.

The new head coach was appointed late September. His recruitment ended a long controversy over the succession of Clarence Seedorf who was sacked after a dismal performance at the 2019 AFCON.

Toni, 57, is a renowned figure in international football. He had an intense career in European football and coached 12 clubs amongst them Portuguese sides Vitoria Setubal,Trofense, Belenenses.

Source: Xinhuanet