By Angu Lesley
Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon
Cameroon international Faris Moumbagna is part of the Olympique de Marseille squad that has travelled to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for a three-day pre-season tour as the French club continues preparations for the 2026–27 campaign under new head coach Bruno Genesio.
The trip marks Genesio’s first overseas engagement with the squad since taking charge. The 59-year-old has adopted a measured approach during his first weeks at La Commanderie, reassuring players after a turbulent previous season while focusing on basic training drills and creating a calmer working environment.
Marseille departed for Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday afternoon as part of the club’s long-standing partnership with the Ivorian Ministry of Tourism and Leisure. The current agreement, which began in 2023, expires this summer, with Marseille hoping to secure a three-year extension. Club president Stéphane Richard pledged during a visit to Abidjan in May that the partnership would continue.
The programme includes an official reception on Wednesday evening, a visit to a local chocolate factory, and community outreach activities through the club’s foundation. Marseille will also hold two training sessions at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, with Thursday morning’s session open to the public.
The highlight of the visit will be a friendly match against Yamoussoukro FC on Friday afternoon, offering Moumbagna another opportunity to impress Genesio as he fights for a place in Marseille’s plans for the new season.
Moumbagna’s inclusion in the travelling squad is another positive step in his preparations for the upcoming campaign as he aims to establish himself with the Ligue 1 side.
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