Two days ago, Azam FC introduced Florent Ibenge (63) as their new head coach on a two-year contract with an option for extension based on performance.
Ibenge, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly served as head coach of Al Hilal Sudan. He joins Azam FC succeeding Rachid Taoussi, whose contract ended at the close of the last season.
Speaking at his unveiling ceremony, Ibenge expressed his excitement to join one of Tanzania’s top clubs with ambitious goals and pledged to achieve those objectives in collaboration with his technical bench.
He acknowledged the toughness of the Tanzanian league, dominated by fierce competition from Yanga and Simba, and noted that with good cooperation, this would be the era to build a generation that will sing the praises of Azam FC.
“Azam’s goal is to become a competitive giant that wins titles. Together with management, players, and supporters, we can realize that dream,” he said.
“There are those born to find Yanga and Simba already established with large fan bases. Now it is time to make history by building a generation that loves Azam, not by other means but by winning matches and engaging with the current supporters,” he added.
Ibenge also stated that after evaluating the squad, the best players will remain while those deemed insufficient will be released to make way for new signings.
His coaching resume includes managing the DRC national team from 2014 to 2019, AS Vita (DRC) from 2012 to 2021, RS Berkane (Morocco) from 2021 to 2022, and Al Hilal (Sudan) from 2022 to 2025.
Among his achievements are winning the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2016) with the DRC national team, reaching the AFCON semifinals in 2015 where DRC finished third, winning the CAF Confederation Cup with RS Berkane in 2022, and leading them to a Super Cup victory against Wydad Casablanca.
In 2014, he guided AS Vita to the CAF Champions League final, finishing as runners-up. This season, he led Al Hilal to the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
