DR Congo’s Lupopo unveil new coaching team led by Rashid Ghaflaoui and Yves Diba

FC Saint Éloi Lupopo have announced a new-look technical team featuring Moroccan coach Rashid Ghaflaoui and former DR Congo striker Yves Diba as the club prepares for the challenges ahead.

The Lubumbashi-based side has assembled a multinational coaching structure made up of eight members from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Italy, Ivory Coast and Tunisia, highlighting the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level.

Ghaflaoui has been appointed as head coach and will lead the new project after his arrival was confirmed by club president Jacques Kyabula during the Ordinary General Assembly on 10 July 2026.

The Moroccan tactician holds a CAF A Licence and brings extensive experience from different football environments.

He previously worked in Congolese football with SM Sanga Balende during the 2016-17 season and has also managed teams across North Africa, West Africa and the Gulf region.

His most recent role was as head coach of Sudanese club Al Merrikh SC, where he gained further experience before taking charge of Lupopo.

To work alongside Ghaflaoui, Lupopo have also welcomed back Yves Diba Ilunga as assistant coach. The former Leopards striker returns to the club in a coaching role after enjoying a successful playing career, including representing DR Congo at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and being part of the national team that won the 2009 African Nations Championship.

Diba moved into coaching after gaining experience alongside respected coach Jean-Florent Ibenge before beginning his career on the bench with Blessing FC.

His knowledge of the game and connection with local football are expected to be valuable additions to Lupopo’s technical team.

The club has also strengthened other areas of its staff with specialists from different countries. Mohamed Kerrumi from Italy will oversee physical preparation, while Morocco’s Mohamed Dardikh has been appointed as physiotherapist.

Ivory Coast’s David N’Golo Coulibaly will take charge of goalkeeper training, while Karim from Tunisia will handle video analysis.

With expertise covering coaching, fitness, medical support, goalkeeper development and tactical analysis, Lupopo believe they now have a structure capable of meeting the demands of top-level competition.

The new technical setup represents the club’s latest step towards building a stronger foundation as they aim to achieve their objectives in the upcoming season.