Women’s AFCON 2025: Hervé Happy takes charge of DR Congo with a vision for growth

Hervé Happy has officially taken the helm of the DR Congo women’s national football team, bringing with him a philosophy rooted in discipline, empathy, and development as he prepares the Leopards for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

At 47, the Franco-Cameroonian coach arrives with a wealth of experience drawn from his tenure as a technical advisor at the French Football Federation and previous assignments across Africa.

Yet, he makes it clear he does not see himself as a saviour, but rather a builder—someone committed to laying the foundations for sustainable progress. “It’s an honour, but more importantly, it’s a mission,” he remarked shortly after his appointment.

Tasked with rejuvenating a squad that remains in the shadow of the continent’s elite, Happy is applying a unique blend of European training methods and African football insight.

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) opted for a low-profile but experienced figure, betting on his strategic mindset and familiarity with the cultural nuances of African football.

“Leading a national team is a privilege. In women’s football, it’s a particularly fascinating challenge,” Happy stated. “You have to build something from the ground up—coach, mentor, and help players grow. That’s what motivates me.”

Happy’s approach is based on a hybrid methodology that balances authority with empathy. “Sometimes you need to be firm, sometimes pragmatic, and other times more like a father figure,” he explained. His philosophy rejects rigid management in favour of a more adaptive, human-centred approach.

This vision was on display during his first camp with the team in Tanzania. Rather than setting expectations with pressure, Happy focused on fostering a welcoming atmosphere. “I told them how pleased I was to be here.

Football should be a source of joy above all else,” he said. It is this emphasis on enjoyment, coupled with tactical structure, that Happy believes will drive long-term success.

With the 2025 Women’s AFCON set to take place in Morocco from 5 to 26 July, time is of the essence. The coach has launched an intense period of scouting and preparation, analysing match footage, assessing local talent, and monitoring players based in Europe.

“We are identifying the right group, and ultimately, we’ll select 21 players along with three goalkeepers for the final tournament,” he confirmed.

The Leopards face a daunting group stage, drawn against host nation Morocco, regional powerhouses Zambia, and a strong Senegalese side. Happy is realistic about the challenge ahead but remains focused. “Each opponent is serious. We approach every match with discipline and careful preparation,” he said.

Beyond the tournament, Happy is already thinking about the future of Congolese women’s football. He issued a message to young girls across the country: “Keep playing. But don’t just play—join a club. Football at your age should always be about joy.”

In an environment often dominated by short-term expectations, Hervé Happy offers something different. His strength lies not in grand promises but in methodical work, humility, and an unwavering belief in development through consistency.

The DR Congo women’s national team may be under construction, but under Happy’s guidance, it is a project with purpose. Each match, each training session, is another brick laid in a foundation he hopes will carry the Leopards into a more competitive future—one built not on spectacle, but on substance.