Velud Signs Government-backed Contract To Coach Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Sports has announced appointing Hubert Velud as the new national team head coach.

In a statement on Tuesday, it said the order to appoint the Frenchman as coach is from President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.

The 62-year-old replaces Kamou Malo whose contract was not renewed in February despite the Stallions’ beautiful display at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Burkina Faso government had earlier rejected Velud appointment saying that it was not consulted by the Football Association.

Velud has now signed a two-year contract which is subject to one year renewal with the federation and the government if he qualifies for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Another objective set for Velud and his technical staff is to elevate the Stallions up to 20th in the Fifa World Rankings from their current position of 56 and establish them at the top of the standings for Africa.

The coach and his assistants are expected to present a detailed training programme to the Burkina Faso Football Federation and to live in the country to.

Velud managed the Sparrow Hawks of Togo between 2009 and 2010, and was one the coaches caught in the machine gun ambush ahead of the 2010 Nations Cup tournament in Angola.

His spells in Africa include stints at North African clubs Hassania Agadir, ES Setif, USM Alger and CS Constantine.