Malian Giants Stade Malien Appoint Jean-Christophe Gratecap As New Coach

Malian giants Stade Malien de Bamako have appointed Jean-Christophe Gratecap as the new head coach with immediate effect.

The 54-year-old Frenchman has signed a twelve-months rolling contract with the 22-time Malian top-flight league champions.

Gratecap returns to football after being sacked by Ivorian giants Africa Sports d’Abidjan in May after a string of poor results in the league left them outside the top-three.

“Stade Malien de Bamako is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-Christophe Gratecap as the Club’s new Head Coach. Welcome to Les Blancs,” the club statement read.

Gratecap arrived in Bamako on Sunday night and visited the club’s headquarters on Sunday morning.

He held a meeting with the Stade Malien de Bamako executive committee where both sides reached an agreement and contracts were signed.

This will be Gratecap’s second adventure in Africa after a three-year stint with Africa Sports d’Abidjan of Ivory Coast.

A former West Bromwich Albion scout, he previously managed extensively in  France and across Europe , and enjoyed a stint as Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes.