TP Mazembe have turned to a familiar figure as they seek stability and renewed direction, confirming the appointment of Slimane Raho as head coach until the end of the current season.
The Lubumbashi-based club announced the decision on Friday, 30 January 2026, formally installing the 51-year-old Franco-Algerian on the first-team bench.
Raho replaces Lamine Mamadou Ndiaye, bringing to a close a chapter that had come under increasing scrutiny as the season progressed.
Mazembe’s management has presented the move as a calculated step aimed at restoring momentum and reinforcing the club’s long-standing sporting ambitions.
Raho is well known within the organisation, a factor that weighed heavily in the decision-making process as the club sought continuity alongside change.
His return is seen as an opportunity to build quickly, without the adjustment period often required by an external appointment.
In a statement released by the club, TP Mazembe confirmed that Raho has signed a contract running until the end of the season, entrusting him with the immediate task of guiding the team through a decisive phase of the campaign.
The emphasis is firmly on results, but also on re-establishing a clear identity in play, something the club believes the new coach is well placed to deliver.
Raho has earned a reputation for his technical knowledge and his ability to work closely with players, particularly in nurturing talent within the squad.
Those qualities were highlighted by the club as central to his appointment, as Mazembe look to maximise the potential of their current group while maintaining their competitive edge at domestic and continental level.
The timing of the change reflects the urgency of the situation.
With key objectives still within reach, the club’s hierarchy has opted for a swift transition rather than a prolonged period of uncertainty.
By appointing a coach already familiar with the club’s culture and expectations, Mazembe hope to create immediate impact on the training ground and in matches.
General secretary Frédéric Kitengie Kinkumba formally endorsed the appointment, signing the official announcement welcoming “Coach Slimane” back to Kamalondo.
His message underlined the confidence placed in Raho to lead the team through the remainder of the season.
For TP Mazembe’s supporters, the return of a known figure brings a mix of anticipation and responsibility.
Raho now faces the challenge of meeting high expectations, revitalising performances and steering one of Africa’s most decorated clubs towards a strong finish to the campaign.
