Ben Tete Dzakpa’s resignation as head coach of Étoile Filante de Lomé has stirred significant debate, with no official acknowledgment from the club despite widespread media reports.
The departure, coming after the team’s 2-3 defeat to Doumbé de Mango in the Togolese championship, has left both fans and officials seeking answers.
The match in question, during which Étoile Filante squandered a 2-0 halftime lead, appears to have been a tipping point.
Reports circulating on social media suggest that Dzakpa’s decision caught club officials off guard, with no prior communication made to senior management.
A Departure Clouded in Speculation
Étoile Filante, which financially supported Dzakpa in obtaining his CAF A License in Morocco—including covering his travel, accommodation, and training expenses—has not issued a statement on the matter.
The silence has fueled speculation about whether Dzakpa’s resignation stems from poor results, contract issues, or deeper tensions within the club.
Some reports attribute his departure to the expiration of his contract and an unwillingness to renew it, while others link it directly to the team’s recent poor form.
Adding to the intrigue, Dzakpa reportedly left the team bus after the loss to Doumbé de Mango and did not return to the club’s headquarters.
Signs of discord may have been visible earlier. On Matchday 2, Dzakpa’s decision to make six substitutions during a 1-1 draw against Espoir de Tsévié raised eyebrows and hinted at internal challenges.
A New Chapter Ahead?
Dzakpa’s resignation, if confirmed, marks a turning point for both the coach and the club. With his newly acquired CAF A License, he is now well-positioned for future opportunities.
However, his abrupt departure leaves Étoile Filante in a precarious situation as they navigate the Togolese championship without clarity on their coaching leadership.
Fans and analysts alike are eager for transparency from the club. For now, Étoile Filante finds itself at a crossroads, while speculation over Dzakpa’s next move continues to dominate discussions.
The controversy underscores the challenges facing both the coach and the club in maintaining stability, particularly after Étoile Filante’s investment in Dzakpa’s professional development. Whether this split marks the beginning of a fresh chapter or the continuation of unresolved tensions remains to be seen.
