And the title of the best coach of the year goes to…
The year 2013 brought significant achievements for African football and its coaches. With a fiercely contested CAF (African Cup of Nations) and intense qualifications for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil (with Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast qualifying), African football experienced an eventful year.
Choosing the best coach proved to be a challenging task. Here is the list of African and foreign coaches, operating on the continent, who left their mark on the year.
- Stephen Keshi:
- Achievements: Qualified Nigeria for the World Cup in Brazil and won the African Cup of Nations against Burkina Faso.
- Notable Quote: “I am not against white coaches. White coaches are great, but you don’t need a mediocre coach, someone who can’t help Africans.”
- Paul Put:
- Achievements: Led Burkina Faso to the CAN final, where they lost 0-1 against Nigeria, but had an unexpected journey.
- Hervé Renard:
- Achievements: Helped Zambia win CAN 2012; left for a new challenge – saving Sochaux and keeping them in L1.
- Vahid Halilhodžić:
- Achievements: Qualified Algeria for the World Cup in Brazil, despite facing challenges during the CAN in South Africa.
- James Kwesi Appiah:
- Achievements: Qualified Ghana for Brazil 2014; faced disappointment in the semi-final of the CAN.
- Ruud Krol:
- Achievements: Attempted to qualify Tunisia for Brazil; won the CAF Cup against TP Mazembe.
- Patrice Carteron:
- Achievements: Led TP Mazembe to a successful season, although they fell short in the CAF Confederation Cup.
- Sébastien Desabre:
- Achievements: Secured Coton Sport de Garoua’s 12th Cameroon champion title; later joined Esperance de Tunis.
- Mohamed Youssef:
- Achievements: Clinched the 8th African champion crown for Al Ahly; will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Rolland Courbis:
- Achievements: Won the 2013 Algerian Cup and the 2013 UAFA Cup with USM Alger.
Now, it’s time to vote and decide the best coach of the year!
