In a move that could reshape the Tanzanian football landscape, Florent Ibenge, the seasoned Congolese tactician, is on the verge of being unveiled as the new head coach of Azam FC.
Fresh from his stint with Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan, Ibenge touched down in Tanzania on Saturday, marking the beginning of what could be one of the most high-profile coaching appointments in the Tanzanian Premier League in recent years.
During his visit, Ibenge was taken on a tour of the Azam FC complex, one of the most modern football facilities in East Africa. He also held extensive meetings with top club officials, discussing the club’s vision, ambitions, and expectations for the coming seasons.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Ibenge was impressed by the infrastructure, the professionalism of the management, and the long-term project the club is building. Only a few financial details remain before the deal can be finalized.
Florent Ibenge brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for building competitive squads. He famously led AS Vita Club to the final of the CAF Champions League in 2014 and served as DR Congo national team coach, where he won bronze at AFCON 2015 and guided the team to consistent continental performances.
His most recent job at Al Hilal saw him guide the Sudanese giants in CAF Champions League quarter finals and winning the Mauritania Premier League
Azam FC, often referred to as “The Ice Cream Makers”, have invested heavily in both infrastructure and talent in recent years. However, silverware has remained elusive in the face of fierce competition from domestic giants Yanga SC and Simba SC.
By bringing in a coach of Ibenge’s calibre, Azam is clearly signaling its intention to compete seriously at both domestic and continental levels.
