Mon Mar 24 18:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Veteran Coach Corentin Martins Takes on Madagascar’s World Cup Dream
**Antananarivo, Madagascar** – Former Mauritania national team manager Corentin Martins has been appointed as the new coach of Madagascar, setting his sights on a qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The 55-year-old, whose career boasts experiences from Ligue 1 to the French national team, discussed his new challenge and reflected on his past successes.
Martins, who recently had a brief stint with a club in Algeria, explained his decision to join Madagascar, highlighting the appeal of the World Cup qualification challenge. Madagascar currently sits third in its qualifying group, two points behind the automatic qualification spot, presenting a significant but exciting opportunity.
While acknowledging that the country’s football infrastructure needs improvement – mentioning some older synthetic pitches – Martins praised the newly built national stadium, although its immediate availability remains uncertain. He emphasized the passionate fan base fueled by Madagascar’s impressive quarter-final run in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Martins’ strategy focuses on building upon existing talent, scouting players with specific profiles, and actively recruiting players of Malagasy descent from countries like Thailand, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Israel to rejuvenate the team. He noted a shortage of high-quality players within the domestic league, which he plans to scout periodically from his base in France.
Martins described the Malagasy style of play as possessing a strong technical ability, with players favoring dribbling and quick attacks. He even joked about the challenges of memorizing players’ often lengthy surnames, relying on their jersey numbers for quick identification.
His experience managing underdogs, referencing his time at Auxerre, fuels his confidence in leading Madagascar. He described his management style as approachable and encouraging, contrasting with older, more authoritarian coaching approaches.
Martins also shared anecdotes from his career, including his time as a player at Brest, where he witnessed the club’s unique South American flair under president François Yvinec, and his memorable experience at Auxerre, narrowly missing a UEFA Cup final against Dortmund. He also recalled his time with the French national team, where he was replaced by Zinedine Zidane just before Zidane’s famous double against the Czech Republic, and his subsequent disappointment at not featuring in Euro 96 despite a strong season with Auxerre. Martins also discussed his time playing alongside Rivaldo at Deportivo La Corogne, highlighting the contrast between Rivaldo’s exceptional talent and sometimes erratic behaviour.
The appointment of Martins signals a renewed ambition for Malagasy football, and his wealth of experience and unique perspective promises an exciting chapter for the national team.
First Piper 