AFCON winning coach Hervé Renard dreams of a return to Africa

Former Zambia and Ivory Coast tactician Hervé Renard is refusing to close the chapter on the African continent, promising to return to lead an African side for the 2034 World Cup tournament.

Renard, who is currently the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team left an indelible mark on the African continent, winning two Africa Cup of Nations titles with two different countries.

He guided Zambia to annex the AFCON title in 2012 before leading Ivory Coast to beat Ghana on penalties to secure the 2015 AFCON trophy.

The enterprising has since gained prominence in World football, with several countries and clubs yearning for his services.

However, the 57-year-old trainer has reiterated his desire to return to Africa and possibly lead a team at the 2034 World Cup tournament.

“For now, I’m focused on my future until October 14 (the date of the second World Cup qualification play-off match, against Iraq). Otherwise, I know I’ll return to Africa one day and I hope to lead a team at the 2034 World Cup. I’ll only be 66 or 67—still going strong!” he declared.

In 2018, Hervé Renard managed Morocco’s Atlas Lions during the World Cup in Russia, and later took charge of Saudi Arabia at the 2022 edition in Qatar, where he masterminded the most memorable victory in Saudi football history by stunning Messi’s Argentina (1-2).

Renard’s current contract with Saudi Arabia is expected to elapse in 2027.