Former Al Hilal Boss Florent Ibenge Named Azam FC Head Coach
Azam FC has officially appointed former Al Hilal boss Florent Ibenge as the new head coach, signaling a significant shift in the club’s ambitions as it prepares for the 2025/26 season. The Congolese tactician, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished football minds, takes the reins from Rachid Taoussi, who parted ways with the club following the conclusion of last season.
Ibenge, aged 63, brings with him a remarkable managerial pedigree, having led top clubs and national teams across the continent. Speaking during his unveiling, the former Al Hilal coach expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Azam FC and conveyed a strong desire to build a competitive team capable of challenging for titles both locally and internationally.
“If the Tanzanian league ranks fourth in quality in Africa, then surely the teams are highly competitive,” Ibenge stated. “Simba played in the Confederation Cup final, and Yanga won every domestic title last season. I look forward to such competition and I am ready for it.”
His appointment marks a strategic move by Azam FC, owned by the Bakhresa Group, as the club intensifies efforts to break the dominance of Tanzanian football giants Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga). In recent seasons, Azam FC has struggled to assert itself among the top two, and the introduction of Ibenge is widely seen as a calculated effort to close that gap.
A Respected Resume: Ibenge’s Track Record of Success
The phrase “Former Al Hilal Boss Florent Ibenge Named Azam FC Head Coach” captures more than just a managerial change—it signals the arrival of a seasoned winner. Ibenge has previously led DR Congo to a third-place finish at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and took AS Vita Club to the final of the 2014 CAF Champions League. His most recent club triumph came in 2022, when he guided RS Berkane of Morocco to the CAF Confederation Cup title.
Such accolades underscore Azam FC’s decision to seek out a leader with a deep understanding of African football dynamics, someone capable of navigating the competitive Tanzanian Premier League while maintaining a focus on continental glory.
“It’s not about one person — it’s about all of us at Azam working as one team. That’s how we challenge the big boys and achieve something special,” Ibenge affirmed.
A New Chapter for Azam FC
The 2025/26 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Azam FC. With pre-season preparations expected to commence in the coming weeks, Ibenge’s first task will be to evaluate the existing squad and identify priority areas for reinforcement. The club hierarchy has emphasized long-term planning, and insiders believe Ibenge’s leadership could unlock a new era of success.
His appointment comes at a time when the Tanzanian Premier League is enjoying increased competitiveness and regional recognition. By attracting a coach of Ibenge’s caliber, Azam FC is demonstrating its seriousness in challenging the established order.
Supporters of the club have been urged to rally behind the new manager. As Ibenge himself stated during the unveiling:
“Supporters, let’s work together to succeed with Azam FC.”
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