The Congolese national team are in discussions to appoint former Cameroon captain Rigobert Song as their new head coach, in what could mark his return to management after more than two years without a role.
Multiple reports indicate that talks are at an advanced stage, with an official announcement expected in the coming days if negotiations are successfully concluded.
The potential appointment would see Song take charge of a Congo side currently ranked 133rd in the world.
The 47-year-old has been out of coaching since January 2024, when his tenure with Cameroon ended following a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Since then, Song has not held a managerial position, making this opportunity a possible turning point in his coaching career.
Song, a former defender widely regarded as one of Cameroon’s most iconic players, earned 137 international caps and scored four goals during his playing career.
He was also part of the teams that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002, achievements that continue to shape his reputation within African football.
His path back into management has not been straightforward.
Earlier in 2025, Song appeared close to taking charge of the Central African Republic national team, only for the move to collapse.
Despite being appointed by the country’s Ministry of Sports, the Central African Football Federation opposed the decision and instead backed local coach Eloge Enza-Yamissi.
The disagreement left Song in a difficult position, and after several months of uncertainty between January and March, he ultimately stepped down.
The episode ended what had been described as a period of “false hope” regarding his potential appointment with the team known as the Wild Beasts of Bas-Oubangui.
Now, attention has shifted to Congo, where football authorities are reportedly considering him as the man to lead the next phase of the national team’s development.
If confirmed, the role would offer Song a fresh opportunity to rebuild his coaching credentials and return to the international stage.
For Congo, the potential appointment represents a move to bring in a coach with significant experience at both playing and managerial levels.
The team has struggled in recent years and currently sits well outside the top tier of African football rankings, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.
Song’s experience with Cameroon, combined with his status as a respected figure in African football, could be seen as valuable assets in attempting to improve the team’s competitiveness.
However, the success of such a move would likely depend on alignment between coaching staff and football authorities, particularly given the difficulties he encountered in his previous attempt to take charge of a national team.
As discussions continue, both parties appear to be working towards an agreement that could see Song return to the dugout in the near future.
If finalised, the appointment would mark the end of a prolonged period without a coaching role for the former defender.
