After a full year without a permanent head coach, the DR Congo national team (Les Léopards) appears to be on the brink of a fresh start. All indications suggest that Florent Ibenge is set to be appointed as the new national team manager, succeeding Claude Le Roy, who departed after his tenure ended in 2013.
Florent Ibenge, a 52-year-old French-qualified coach, has built a solid reputation both at home and abroad. Notably, he served as Nicolas Anelka’s assistant during the French striker’s stint as player-coach at Shanghai Shenhua. More recently, he has led AS Vita Club, one of DR Congo’s most successful clubs, for the past two years. Under his leadership, AS Vita reached the CAF Champions League group stage, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to compete at a continental level.
His appointment comes at a critical time, with less than two months remaining before the start of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. DR Congo has been drawn into Group D, where they will face tough opposition in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and the winner of Sierra Leone vs Seychelles.
Florent Ibenge’s potential appointment marks a significant moment for DR Congo, as they place their faith in a locally based coach with international experience to rebuild and guide the national team through a challenging qualification campaign.
