By Michelle Wesson BBC Sport Online

Chad's national team are in the French city of Strasbourg for a two week training camp, ahead of their African Nations Cup qualifier against Algeria in October.

The trip was made possible after funding was secured from the government.

"All financial means have been employed, with the authorisation of the minister, so that the team will be at ease," said Chadian youth coach Djima Manadji.

Manadji said the inflow of cash is having a positive effect on Chad's bid to get to the 2004 Nations Cup in Tunisia.

If they qualify, it will be their first-ever appearance at the championship.

"For instance, coach Akono travelled to Windhoek to watch the Namibia versus Algeria match. We never used to do such things before," Manadji said.

Reorganization

Jean Paul Akono, who led Cameroon to an Olympic gold medal in 2000, has demanded increased investment into the Chadian side if they are to become a serious force in African football.

A new commission has been subsequently set up to provide funds for the team. It is made up of a mixture of football lovers and members of the Chad Federation.

Help for the national side has also come from Japhet Ndoram, Chad's best known football export, who ended his illustrious career with French club Monaco in 2000.

Ndoram is expected to supply supplying equipment to the squad.

Commitment

Although the increased funding has been welcomed by the Chad Football Federation, it's just a drop in the ocean, according to Emmanuel Maradas, editor of African Soccer Magazine.

Maradas, who is Chadian, believes the lack of basic facilities is hampering the team's development.

"I've been away from Chad for 27 years and there has been no improvement.

" We have people with knowledge, but are suffering from a lack of commitment from the government."