Mawuena says he's ready to take charge

"Otto Pfister was like a father to us," Mawuena said on Saturday.

"His departure has really affected us, but we will continue to follow his tactics and we hope he will return soon."

But Mawuena said he was also well placed to lead them through their first World Cup finals.

Pfister left the team on Friday, saying he could not do his job properly while Togolese officials and players were unable to find a solution to a much-publicised pay dispute.

Togo's players have reportedly demanded a $200,000 payment for reaching the finals, as well as $38,000 each per win and $19,000 for a draw during the group stages.

Mawuena, who coached the team at the African Nations Cup in 2000, was previously an assistant to Pfister, alongside Piet Hamberg, who also quit.

Pfister has declared he would not return to the negotiating table, saying that the dream of his life had been destroyed.

But Togolese officials said they would have him back if he wanted to return.

"We are still in discussion with Otto Pfister over him returning, it is not the moment to abandon one's children," said team manager Gerson Kwadjo Dobou.

"There is work to be finished, but the last word rests with him.

"If Pfister returns, he will take over his old post, and Mawuena will be his new assistant.

"But one cannot exclude the possibility of a third way (a new coach). Nothing can be ruled out."

Mawuena said he could live up to the job of taking the Sparrowhawks through the group stages.

"I have played for the national side, captained it and I have coached the team on several occasions either as assistant or as head coach," he said.

Mawuena, who already conducted his first training session on Saturday, now has three days before the World Cup debutants open their Group G campaign against South Korea in Frankfurt.