Exclusive: Togo Coach Claude Le Roy Issued a New Contract

The Togo Football Federation (FTF) has agreed to a two-year contract extension with coach Claude Le Roy, keeping him on the job until April 2022.

Le Roy, 71, was appointed on an initial three-year-contract in April 2016, taking over a team in turmoil following Tom Saintfiet’s tumultuous reign.

He subsequently masterminded qualification to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations due to Sparrow Hawks being one of two group runners-up with the best record.

FTF president Colonel Kossi Akpovy told Ducor Sports that the decision is the governing body’s strongest show of faith in the 71-year-old coach.

“By agreeing to the deal we are demonstrating our faith in Le Roy. We are saying that we believe he is the right man to take us forward,” he said.

The Togo Football Federation had initially offered a six-month extension which was rejected by Le Roy, who instead asked for a two-year deal.

The latest contract extension means Le Roy will be able to complete the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with their next group match in Egypt in March.

The Sparrow Hawks lost their opening match at home against lowly ranked Comoros before being held by Kenya to a one-all draw in Nairobi.

However, the Frenchman, who has worked on the continent for almost 30 years, has the pedigree to turn around Togo’s fortunes.

He guided Cameroon to the 1988 Nations Cup title and has only failed to reach the quarter-finals twice.

Among the other countries he has coached at the continental championship are Senegal, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.