Former Cameroon international Sébastien Siani has been named assistant coach of Cercle Brugge’s Under-16 team, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his post-playing career.
The Belgian side, where Siani spent part of his professional playing days, confirmed the appointment via its official social media channels.
The move signals a return to familiar ground for the former midfielder, who will now channel his wealth of experience into youth development at the club’s training centre.
Siani, a key figure in Cameroon’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, brings with him a rich footballing background shaped largely in Belgium.
After beginning his career at Union Douala in his native Cameroon, he moved to Europe, where he joined Union Saint-Gilloise before earning a place at Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht.
Over the following years, he featured for several Belgian clubs including Sint-Truiden, Union SG, and most notably KV Oostende, where he enjoyed a five-year spell from 2013 to 2018.
He concluded his playing career at KSK Beveren, retiring in 2023. Belgium has long been a central stage in Siani’s journey, and his appointment at Cercle Brugge further strengthens his ties to the country both professionally and personally.
In his new role, Siani will assist in guiding the U16 squad, working closely with young players as they progress through the club’s academy system.
His responsibilities will include helping to develop technical skills, tactical understanding, and the mental resilience required to succeed in competitive football.
Siani’s presence on the coaching staff is expected to bring a valuable dimension to the youth setup. Known for his leadership and tactical awareness during his playing career, he was often described as a steady and composed presence in midfield.
His experience representing Cameroon on the international stage — including his triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations — adds significant credibility and insight to the developmental environment at Cercle Brugge.
The transition from player to coach is a natural one for Siani, who has long been recognised for his football intelligence and professionalism.
His decision to begin this new journey with Cercle Brugge’s youth system suggests a commitment to building his coaching credentials from the ground up while remaining connected to the Belgian football landscape that helped shape his career.
Cercle Brugge have expressed confidence in the former midfielder’s ability to inspire and mentor the club’s young talents.
For the players under his guidance, Siani represents both a role model and a tangible link to the highest levels of international competition.
This appointment also highlights Cercle Brugge’s continued investment in youth development, with a focus on nurturing future professionals not only through structured training but also by exposing them to mentors with firsthand experience of the professional game.
As he begins this new phase, Sébastien Siani steps into the world of coaching with a clear mission — to pass on his passion, knowledge, and experience to the next generation.
His return to Cercle Brugge, this time on the sidelines, marks a full-circle moment in a career that continues to evolve.
