Share

Giresse rejoins Mali

Johannesburg - Former France midfield star Alain Giresse signed a contract in Bamako Tuesday to coach Mali again, football officials said.

The 62-year-old succeeds Pole Henryk Kasperczak, who quit the job soon after a first-round exit from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Giresse suffered a similar fate in Equatorial Guinea as Senegal failed to make the knockout stage despite starting the tournament among the title favourites.

When first in charge of Mali, he guided them to third at the 2012 Cup of Nations co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Giresse then coached the Senegalese Teranga Lions, but like many handlers before him was unable to mould talented individuals into a trophy-winning side.

He fell out with former Newcastle United and Chelsea striker Demba Ba, omitting him from the 2015 Cup of Nations squad.

His first task with Mali will be to prepare for the June start of the 2017 Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Although they never won the Cup of Nations, the Eagles have consistently boxed above their weight, finishing second once, third twice and fourth three times.

Giresse was a key cog in the French 1984 European championship-winning team, starring in a midfield that also included current UEFA president Michel Platini.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE