Azam FC have officially appointed Congolese tactician Florent Ibenge as their new head coach, signalling a bold new chapter for the Tanzanian Premier League club.
The experienced coach, known for his disciplined and tactically astute approach, arrives at Azam following his departure from Sudanese giants Al-Hilal Omdurman earlier this year.
The club confirmed Ibenge’s appointment through its official channels, unveiling him as the man to steer the team forward as they seek domestic and continental success.
Ibenge, 62, boasts an impressive résumé in African football. He guided AS Vita Club to the final of the CAF Champions League in 2014 and led the Democratic Republic of Congo national team to a third-place finish at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
His most recent tenure at Al-Hilal was marked by domestic success and a strong showing in continental competitions before Sudan’s political instability curtailed his stay.
Azam FC, who finished third in the Tanzanian Premier League last season, have been actively restructuring their technical setup in hopes of challenging the duopoly of Simba SC and Young Africans SC.
The arrival of Ibenge is being viewed as a statement of intent by the club’s hierarchy, who have long sought to position Azam among the elite teams in East African football.
Club officials believe Ibenge’s wealth of experience and proven track record in high-pressure environments will prove instrumental in reshaping the team’s fortunes.
Known for his emphasis on tactical discipline and player development, the Congolese manager is expected to implement a more structured and competitive playing philosophy.
In his first address to the media following his appointment, Ibenge expressed gratitude for the opportunity and laid out his vision for the club.
“I am honoured to join Azam FC, a club with ambition and a clear vision,” he said. “My objective is to build a strong team that can compete at the highest level both domestically and in continental competitions.
I know the challenges ahead, but with hard work and commitment, we can achieve great things.”
The appointment comes at a time when Azam are preparing for the new season and upcoming CAF Confederation Cup fixtures. With several key signings already in motion and pre-season training set to begin, Ibenge will have limited time to shape the squad according to his philosophy.
His arrival has been met with enthusiasm by Azam fans, who hope the former DR Congo boss can bring stability and consistency to a team that has often struggled to live up to expectations in recent years.
Florent Ibenge’s reputation as a builder of competitive sides is not in doubt, and his familiarity with the African football landscape positions him well to make an immediate impact.
As Azam FC usher in this new era under one of the continent’s most respected coaches, the focus now shifts to results on the pitch.
The Tanzanian league is growing increasingly competitive, and with Ibenge at the helm, Azam FC will be eager to disrupt the dominance of their rivals and claim silverware in the upcoming campaign.
