The observation that only seven African coaches lead the 16 teams in CAN 2013 raises questions about the representation of local coaches in African football. Hervé Renard, Claude Roy, and Vahid Halilhodzic, among others, are examples of non-African coaches heading national teams. There is a discussion about whether the preference for foreign coaches is due to a lack of trust in local coaches or if it reflects an ingrained inferiority complex.
Jean-Marc Adjovi-Boco suggests that the issue may extend beyond football and into other sectors, where European managers are often favored. Meanwhile, Jean-François Jodar emphasizes the importance of national team performance in shaping the reputation of the Minister of Sports in Africa.
However, there are instances where African coaches have successfully taken charge, with Stephen Keshi from Nigeria and Sami Trabelsi from Tunisia cited as examples. The dynamics between local and foreign coaches in African football remain a topic of discussion and reflection.
