Bubista begins RS Berkane job with long-term deal after World Cup breakthrough

Portuguese coach Pedro Leitao Brito, widely known as Bubista, has set his sights on winning trophies with RS Berkane after taking charge of the Moroccan club on a contract running until 2028.

The 56-year-old described his appointment as a source of pride and said he hoped to celebrate success alongside the club’s supporters at the end of the season.

Speaking in a video published on RS Berkane’s official Facebook account on Tuesday, Bubista said: “It is a great honour to be here and to take charge of RS Berkane. We hope our fans will support us during this season.”

He added: “I want to achieve many things with RS Berkane, so that we can celebrate at the end of the season with our fans.. Dima Berkane.”

The length of Bubista’s contract was reported by Moroccan football website Elbotola, which said the coach had signed an agreement with RS Berkane until 2028 following several weeks of negotiations.

His appointment comes after Bubista attracted widespread attention during the 2026 World Cup, where he led Cape Verde to the knockout stage in their first appearance at the tournament.

Cape Verde, known as the Blue Sharks, also impressed in the round of 32 against Argentina. They pushed Lionel Messi’s team all the way before Argentina eventually secured a dramatic 3-2 victory after extra time.

That World Cup campaign raised Bubista’s profile and preceded his move to RS Berkane, where he will now attempt to build on the club’s successes and compete for further honours.

In his first public comments since taking the role, Bubista placed particular emphasis on the connection between the team and its supporters. His message was focused on collective achievement, with the new coach expressing a desire for the season to end with celebrations in Berkane.

The immediate significance of his appointment is reflected in the length of the agreement. Rather than a short-term arrangement, RS Berkane have committed to Bubista through 2028 after discussions that lasted several weeks.

Bubista’s first words also offered an indication of the ambition expected from his tenure. He made clear that he wants to win “many things” with the club, while calling on supporters to stand behind the team throughout the campaign.

The Portuguese coach therefore begins his RS Berkane tenure after the most prominent period of his managerial career, having guided Cape Verde beyond the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and to a narrow defeat by Argentina in the last 32.