AFCON 2023: Meet the Head Coaches in Group E, The Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan will officially prepare the ground for the biggest event on African soil: the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast 2023, which begins this Saturday.
As all 24 nations are set to compete for Africa’s most coveted football prize, CAFOnline takes a close look at who will be in charge and lead their teams into the Group E challenges.
Interestingly enough, all Group E teams except Tunisia will be led by coaches who once graced the football field as players and have now moved into the role of head coach, bringing a combination unique field experience. field. and a tactical sense for their teams.
As the tournament progresses, the spotlight will shine on these former players turned head coaches, each with a wealth of football knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies of this beautiful game. Their journey from players to professionals adds a layer additional narrative to the competition, reflecting the nature of their involvement in African football.
Getting through a difficult Group E will require not only strategic acumen, but also the ability to motivate and lead a diverse group of players toward a common goal. The coaches, who have experienced both the highs and lows of the game as players, bring a unique perspective that goes beyond rational consideration and embraces the emotional and psychological aspects of competitive football.
With the first game fast approaching, CAFOnline will cover in depth, providing insight into the strategies, backgrounds and challenges facing these former players turned head coaches. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews and a front-row seat to the ongoing drama of the TotalEnergies 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
AFCON 2023: Meet the Head Coaches in Group E
Tunisia – Jalel Kadri (52)
Jalel Kadri stepped in as Tunisia’s interim coach at the 2021 TotalEnergies AFCON in Cameroon after head coach Mondher Kebaier contracted Covid-19 ahead of Tunisia’s round of 16 match against Nigeria. Kadri led the team to a 1-0 victory against the three-time champions.
Although Tunisia exited the 2021 edition in the quarter-finals against Burkina Faso, Kadri managed to qualify the team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He will use this experience to lead his team in Ivory Coast.
Mali – Éric Chelle (age 46)
Eric Chelle, born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, will participate in his first TotalEnergies CAN match as a coach in his country. After playing well in France, Chelle moved into coaching and accepted his first assignment with French club GS Consolat in 2016.
In May 2022, he was appointed as the head coach of Mali and faced the difficult task of leading the Eagles in Ivory Coast.
South Africa – Hugo Broos (71)
Hugo Broos, who led Cameroon to their fifth TotalEnergies AFCON 2017 title, will now lead a South African team aiming for continental success. Since taking over as coach, the team has shown great progress and will compete in its 11th TotalEnergies CAN participation under his leadership.
Known for mixing youth and experience in his teams, Broos aims to replicate his 2017 success with the new generation of Bafana Bafana players.
Namibia – Collin Benjamin (age 45)
Namibia is preparing for its fourth participation in the TotalEnergies CAN, having not progressed beyond the group stages. Under Collin Benjamin, the Brave Warriors have a highly skilled coach looking to make a name for himself after a successful run in Germany.
At the age of 45, Benjamin is the youngest coach in the group and is determined to outsmart his experienced teammates in the group stage to make history for his nation by advancing to the group stage.
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