From politics to sport, the change seems to be consuming. Close to the former Prime Minister Agbéyomé Kodjo and former prefect, Elitas Kodjo Lanou will begin his second life. That of the national technical director of Togolese football. Already incumbent of the position under Rock Gnassingbé (assistant to Jean Thissen at first), he had resigned last July in order to campaign for a more active DTN. It must be said that Elitsa Lanou did not have much to do during this period. Confined to an honorary role, without means and action program, he will self-confer the unofficial role of “assistant coach” of the Eperviers. In the background, the unavowed ambition to impose players within the national selection. Nothing surprising in the world of football business. Another string to his bow, an inter-nude presence within the media for this lover of literature and poetry.
A lack of legitimacy
Before resigning in July, the man nicknamed ” Uncle Sam ” opposed the recruitment of Thierry Froger, “a white wizard” according to the former future DTN. Based on the mediocre results of the Eperviers, almost eliminated in the qualification race for the CAN 2012, we can safely say that the choice of the former coach of Châteauroux was not the most judicious. But would the local coaches whose cause he ardently defended have done better? Maybe and maybe not. Nevertheless, the herald is not very appreciated by his corporation. The reasons for this disenchantment: the latter is considered a parvenu in the profession and suffers from a lack of legitimacy. All the more so since his sporting CV is meager (he has never coached in Ligue 1).
The bet therefore seems twofold for Elitsa Lanou. Gain legitimacy and structure Togolese football. Will he have the means?