Frenchman expected to sign two-year deal after agreeing terms

U-17 build-up match (Aug. 1)

Ghana vs Rwanda

MICHELLE Tardy, who is highly tipped to be the new Under-17 national team coach, is in the country to finalise talks with the local football governing body, Ferwafa.

After reaching a mutual agreement, the French tactician is expected to sign a two-year deal, with his first major test being the 2011 Africa Junior Championships, which will be hosted in Rwanda.

"Talks are on-going and we are confident that he will manage the U-17 team,” Ferwafa’s vice president Raoul Gisanura said.

Tardy has worked in Qatar and United Arab Emirates and is expected to replace Patrice Lair who left the post vacant last month after agreeing to coach Lyon’s women side.

Prior to next year’s continental tournament, the youngsters will play Ghana on August 1 and also take part in the Cecafa U-20 Development Cup scheduled for August 14-28 in Asmara, Eritrea.

Besides hosts Eritrea and Rwanda, Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia and Zanzibar are all expected to compete in the regional tourney and Gisanura has no doubt that the competition will give the team the necessary preparation for next year’s championship.

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