Étoile Sportive du Sahel is actively searching for a new head coach following the departure of Juan Carlos Garrido. Among the names initially considered by the club’s management were Roger Lemerre and Mohamed Fakhir, both experienced tacticians with extensive backgrounds in African football.
However, according to reports in the Tunisian media, Roger Lemerre is unlikely to take over the position. The French coach, who has previously worked in Tunisia and across the continent, has reportedly declined the offer made by the Sousse-based club. His decision forces the club’s leadership to look elsewhere as they seek stability and renewed direction for the remainder of the season. As a result, the board has already opened negotiations with alternative candidates.
Attention has now shifted toward Mohamed Fakhir, who is emerging as the leading contender to replace Garrido. Several sources indicate that the Moroccan coach is well placed to assume the role if the Lemerre option is definitively ruled out. In fact, the Tunisian press reports that Étoile Sportive du Sahel received Fakhir’s application earlier this week through his agent, signaling concrete interest from both sides.
Fakhir’s availability comes shortly after his dismissal from Hassania Agadir, where his tenure lasted less than two months. Despite that brief spell, the 66-year-old coach remains a respected figure in Moroccan and North African football. His extensive résumé and prior knowledge of the region are seen as assets that could help Étoile regain consistency and competitiveness.
This would not be Fakhir’s first experience with the Tunisian club. He previously had a short stint at Étoile Sportive du Sahel in 2010, giving him familiarity with the club’s environment and expectations. Beyond that, his career includes notable positions with the Moroccan national team, as well as leading major domestic clubs such as Raja Casablanca, Maghreb de Fès, and FAR Rabat. These experiences underline his tactical knowledge and understanding of high-pressure environments.
For Étoile Sportive du Sahel, the choice of coach is crucial at this stage. The club is aiming to restore stability and achieve its objectives in domestic and continental competitions. With Lemerre reportedly out of the race, Fakhir appears to be the frontrunner, though official confirmation is still pending.
As negotiations progress, supporters await clarity on who will lead the team into its next chapter. Should Mohamed Fakhir’s appointment be finalized, it would mark both a return and a fresh opportunity for the seasoned Moroccan coach to make a lasting impact in Sousse.
