Ahead of the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers later this month, a number of countries on the African terrain had managerial shifts, appointing new tacticians to oversee respective national teams.
Our correspondent, Ahimbisibwe Ambrose, takes us through the changes as nations step up efforts to revitalize their sides in bid to compete on the International stage.
Aliou Cissé (Libya)
Libya officially unveiled Aliou Cisse as their new head coach on Thursday, replacing Milutin Sredojević aka Micho, now manager at Al Merreikh.
The former Senegal coach led his country to TotalEnergies CAF AFCON glory in 2022 and a World Cup knockout stage appearance.
Cissé’s tenure begins with two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Angola in Benghazi before traveling to Yaoundé to take on Cameroon.
Adel Amrouche (Rwanda)
The Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) confirmed his appointment at the start of this month, signing a 24-month contract.
Amrouche, has managed various national teams on continent, with his last job being Tanzania manager at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The former USM Alger and MC Alger tactician starts his stint in Rwanda with two home fixtures in the World Cup Qualifiers, Super Eagles of Nigeria and Lesotho at Amahoro Stadium.
Benni McCarthy (Kenya)
Two weeks ago, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the appointment of Benni McCarthy as the new trainer of Harambee Stars.
McCarthy, 2004 winner of the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto, has previously worked with AmaZulu (South Africa) and English side, Manchester United.
The Bafana Bafana legend kick-offs his new chapter with The Gamba away from home and Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Rigobert Song (Central African Republic)
After initial arrangements made in January, Rigobert Song was finally unveiled as new head coach of Central African Republic.
Song, embarks on his first coaching role outside Cameroon, having managed the U-23 side and the senior national team, Indomitable Lions before in his country of origin.
The former Cameroon captain and two-time AFCON winner faces Madagascar and Mali in his first two games (World Cup Qualifiers) on touchline as Central African Republic head coach.
