RFC Seraing has confirmed the departure of head coach Mbaye Leye, bringing an end to the Senegalese manager’s tenure at the club by mutual agreement.
The announcement was made on Thursday evening, marking the close of a partnership that began in January 2024.
Leye, 42, arrived at the helm of the Iron City club during a turbulent phase, tasked with stabilising a struggling side in Belgium’s Challenger Pro League.
Over the course of 44 competitive fixtures, he guided Seraing through a difficult campaign, ultimately ensuring their survival in the second tier of Belgian football despite finishing second-bottom with 19 points from 28 league matches.
Although the club endured a disappointing run of results on the field, RFC Seraing’s official statement highlighted Leye’s broader contribution to the club’s development, particularly his role in integrating youth academy prospects into the senior team setup.
“His daily commitment also played an important role in the development and emergence of young talent from our academy, whom he integrated intelligently and convincingly into our first team,” the club said in its press release.
This marks the third managerial spell in Belgian football for Leye, a former forward with playing stints at Standard Liège, Zulte Waregem, and Gent. He previously held head coaching positions at Standard Liège from 2019 to 2021, and at Zulte Waregem from 2022 to 2023.
At Seraing, Leye earned a reputation as a disciplined and hands-on manager with a keen focus on nurturing younger players.
His approachable leadership style and clear emphasis on squad development were seen as valuable assets by the club’s hierarchy, even as results remained elusive.
“RFC Seraing would like to thank Mbaye Leye for his professionalism throughout this collaboration, and wishes him the best for the rest of his career,” the statement concluded.
While no immediate successor has been announced, the departure comes at a pivotal time for the club as they look to rebuild ahead of the new season.
As for Leye, the former striker’s coaching experience within Belgium’s top two divisions could make him an attractive candidate for future opportunities, either domestically or abroad.
For now, his departure closes a brief but impactful chapter at Seraing — one marked by perseverance, youth development, and an unwavering commitment to the club’s long-term vision, despite the short-term struggles.
