Cameroon contract controversial Lions coach LavagneBy BBC | Monday, June 4   2012 at  15:44

The Cameroon government has rewarded coach Denis Lavagne for the Indomitable Lions' 1-0 win over DR Congo in a 2014 World Cup on Saturday with a contract.

The country's football federation has been paying the Frenchman since taking over from Spaniard Javier Clemente on November 29.

Lavagne was set to signed the government-backed contract on Monday as the Indomitable Lions left for Tunisia, where they play Libya in Sfax in their second 2014 qualifier.

He has been appointed to try and revive the fortunes of Cameroon, who missed the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon earlier this year.

The former Coton Sport coach has been given a two-year deal and set the goal of qualifying Cameroon for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup the following year.

Since taking over Lavagne has led the Indomitable Lions to victory at a mini-tournament in Morocco last year, a 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in the first leg of a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier and a 2-1 success in a friendly against Guinea before Saturday's defeat of DR Congo.

Despite a successful start Cameroonian fans are yet to be convinced by Lavagne's qualifications for the job.

Questions were also asked as he was appointed within days of Clemente's sacking and appeared to be the only person considered for the post.

His time in charge has also been marred by the controversial strike by players following the tournament in Morocco, that lead to the cancellation of a friendly against Algeria and a lengthy ban for captain and main striker Samuel Eto'o.

One of those unhappy with the situation is Indomitable Lions' legend Roger Milla, who described Lavagne's appointment as a shame to Cameroonian football.

Milla has also created a committee aimed at bringing change to football management.

The football federation's National Technical Director, Jean Managa Onguene, also criticised Lavagne "as a coach picked from the gutters with no qualification to coach the Lions."

Cameroon's Prime Minister, Philemon Yang, asked to know the circumstances that led to the appointment of Lavagne but has been unmoved by the dissenting opinions.