Azam FC has officially appointed Florent Ibenge as the club’s new head coach on a one-year contract, signaling a bold step in the club’s pursuit of domestic and continental success.
Ibenge takes over from Rachid Taoussi, who concluded the previous season by leading Azam FC to a respectable third-place finish in the NBC Premier League.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation and fulfills the hopes of many fans who had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a seasoned tactician.
The Congolese coach brings a proven track record and extensive experience in African football. He famously led AS Vita Club of DR Congo to the final of the CAF Champions League, won the CAF Confederation Cup with Morocco’s RS Berkane, and most recently managed Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman.
On the international stage, Ibenge served as head coach of the DR Congo national team, guiding them through several major tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
His appointment is seen as a strategic move by Azam FC to strengthen its technical bench and raise its competitive edge in both local and international competitions.
With fierce rivals like Yanga SC and Simba SC maintaining their dominance, the club hopes Ibenge’s leadership will help close the gap and possibly redefine the league’s power dynamics.
Azam FC supporters have embraced the news with optimism, viewing Ibenge as a coach who can instill discipline, introduce advanced tactical approaches, and inspire a winning mentality within the squad.
His global perspective and understanding of African football dynamics are expected to be invaluable assets in the club’s campaign for trophies.
As preparations begin for the upcoming season, attention now turns to Ibenge’s next steps how he will shape the squad, implement his philosophy, and guide Azam FC towards a more competitive future both in the NBC Premier League and on the CAF stage.