Official: AS FAR appoint Pedro Soares Gonçalves as new head coach

AS FAR have confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Pedro Soares Gonçalves as the club’s new head coach, replacing compatriot Alexandre Santos after the latter’s spell in charge came to an end.

The Moroccan club announced the decision in an official statement on Thursday, confirming that Gonçalves has signed a contract to lead the first team for the next two seasons.

His arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for the capital-based side as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.

Gonçalves takes over after spending recent years coaching both at international level with Angola and in club football with Tanzanian side Young Africans SC.

AS FAR confirm coaching change

AS FAR officially announced the appointment in a statement released on Thursday, bringing an end to Alexandre Santos’ tenure after a season and a half in charge.

The club confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Pedro Soares Gonçalves, who will now oversee the first team under a two-year contract.

The statement read:

“Following the end of coach Alexandre Santos’ mission at the head of the team’s technical staff, which lasted a season and a half, the club’s management announces that it has reached an agreement with Portuguese coach Pedro Soares Gonçalves to lead the team for the next two seasons.”

The announcement officially concludes Santos’ time at the helm while introducing Gonçalves as the club’s new manager.

The coaching change comes as AS FAR prepares for the next stage of its sporting project under new leadership.

Gonçalves arrives with international and club experience

Pedro Soares Gonçalves joins AS FAR after several years working in African football.

The Portuguese coach led the Angola national team between 2019 and 2025, overseeing the country’s senior side during that period.

Following his time with Angola, he moved into club management by taking charge of Young Africans SC in Tanzania, where he remained between 2025 and 2026.

His appointment at AS FAR now offers him another challenge, this time in Moroccan domestic football.

The club has placed its confidence in the experienced Portuguese coach as it looks ahead to the next two seasons.

New era begins after Alexandre Santos’ departure

The appointment signals the end of Alexandre Santos’ spell in charge after 18 months leading the first team.

With a new coach now in place, AS FAR will begin preparations under Gonçalves, who inherits responsibility for guiding the club over the coming campaigns.

The two-year agreement demonstrates the club’s intention to provide stability as it embarks on a fresh sporting cycle.

For Gonçalves, the move also represents another opportunity to continue his coaching career in African football after experiences with both national teams and club sides.

AS FAR will now hope that the Portuguese manager can build on his previous experience as he begins work with one of Morocco’s leading clubs.

Portuguese coach begins a fresh challenge in Morocco

Pedro Soares Gonçalves now starts a new chapter in his managerial career after officially taking over at AS FAR.

Having previously coached Angola and Young Africans SC, the Portuguese tactician will now lead the Moroccan club for the next two seasons following the departure of Alexandre Santos.