Comoros unveil French coach Hubert Velud with focus on progress and AFCON

Hubert Velud has been appointed head coach of the Comoros national football team, pledging to help the team make significant progress.

The French coach was officially presented on Saturday and outlined his ambitions during a press conference.

Velud, who brings experience from his coaching career in French and African football, said he was motivated by the potential of Comorian football.

“It’s a country I’ve known for a few years through its football, as there’s a real momentum that has taken hold, even if there’s perhaps been a slight dip recently, but I must pay tribute to the work that was done before me. I’ve come here with a focus on progress, on helping the Comoros progress,” he said.

The coach emphasized his focus on long-term development and consistent international participation.

One of his primary goals is to ensure the Comoros qualify for future Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, providing the team with both visibility and opportunities for growth.

“The mandatory objective is qualification for the next AFCON. I think that regular participation by the Comoros in the AFCON is very important for visibility, in terms of the potential for progress in their football. It’s very important to qualify for the AFCON every time,” Velud added.

Velud’s appointment reflects the ambition of the Comoros Football Federation to consolidate recent progress and build a sustainable presence in African football.

By prioritizing consistent qualification for major tournaments, he aims to strengthen the team’s competitive edge and raise its profile on the continental stage.

The French coach inherits a team known as the Coelacanths, which has shown promise in recent years, including competitive performances in regional tournaments.

Velud’s experience and focus on development are expected to help the Comoros establish themselves as a regular contender in African football competitions.