Pape Thiaw and Krunoslav Jurčić headline 2025 CAF Coach of the Year nominees

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the ten nominees for the 2025 Coach of the Year award.

The list celebrates the remarkable achievements of managers across African football between January 6 and October 15, 2025.

Croatian tactician Krunoslav Jurčić leads the nominations after guiding Pyramids FC to an exceptional double, winning both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup.

His success with the Egyptian club has established him among the continent’s top managers.

Senegal’s Pape Thiaw also earned recognition for his impressive leadership of the national team.

The Lions of Teranga have shown strong consistency under his guidance, cementing Senegal’s position as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

Cape Verde’s Bubista made history by securing the nation’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

His tactical discipline and defensive structure have transformed Cape Verde into one of Africa’s emerging forces.

Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan, a veteran figure in African football, joins the nominees after revitalising the Pharaohs with his energetic approach and attacking style.

Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi, known for his strategic discipline, also features among the finalists after another solid campaign with his national team.

Madagascar’s Romuald Rakotondrabe earned his nomination following an outstanding run in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he led his side to the final.

Moïne Chaabani, who guided RS Berkane to domestic and continental success, further strengthens North Africa’s representation on the list.

Morocco dominates the shortlist with three nominees. Walid Regragui continues to impress with his management of the national team, maintaining the Atlas Lions’ reputation as one of the continent’s elite sides.

Tarik Sektioui, who steered Morocco’s CHAN squad to victory, and Mohamed Ouahbi, the coach behind Morocco’s U20 World Cup triumph, also received nominations.

The competition for the prestigious award promises to be fierce, reflecting a year of outstanding coaching achievements across Africa’s leagues and national teams.

CAF will reveal the winner during its annual awards ceremony, where excellence in African football will once again take centre stage.

List of Nominees:

• Bubista (Cape Verde)

• Hossam Hassan (Egypt)

• Krunoslav Jurčić (Pyramids FC, Croatia)

• Sami Trabelsi (Tunisia)

• Romuald Rakotondrabe (Madagascar CHAN)

• Moïne Chaabani (RS Berkane, Tunisia)

• Tarik Sektioui (Morocco CHAN)

• Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U20)

• Walid Regragui (Morocco)

• Pape Thiaw (Senegal)