DR Congo target Thissen

DR Congo need to improve to qualify for Tunisia 2004

Former Belgium international Jean Thissen says he has been contacted by the DR Congo's FA about becoming their new coach of the Simbas.

Thissen, who is in Qatar coaching Al Ahly, said he was interested in taking the job after having had talks with Congolese officials.

They have a lot of good players. I have worked in Africa before and I'd really like another chance.

Jean Thissen

"We have only had informal discussions and there would be a lot of things to clear up before any firm decision is made," he said from his home in Belgium.

"A lot would depend on the terms of the contract and on the situation in the country. I would like to first see what the facilities and circumstances of my work would be like," added Thissen.

"I also have a current contract in Qatar that I would have to discuss with my club.

"But I am certainly interested. They have a lot of good players. I have worked in Africa before and I'd really like another chance. But the ball is now back with the Congolese federation."

Thissen was the coach of Gabon when they qualified for their first ever Nations Cup in Tunisia in 1994.

The Simba's have not had a European coach since 1996 when Turkey's Mushin Ertugal was in charge.

He was sacked after just one match during the African Nations Cup finals in South Africa.

DR Congo's next challenge is to qualify for Tunisia 2004.

Stand-in coaches Andy Futila and Joseph Mukeba achieved a home win to Botswana, but lost away to Libya.

Nation Cup qualifiers: Group 9