RS Berkane appoint Pedro Bubista after Cape Verde’s landmark World Cup campaign

RS Berkane have appointed Pedro Bubista as their new head coach, just weeks after the Portuguese manager led Cape Verde to a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

The Moroccan club confirmed the deal on Tuesday, bringing in the 56-year-old after negotiations that included discussions over whether he could combine the role with his position as head coach of the Cape Verde national team.

The final arrangements indicate that Bubista will leave his post with Cape Verde in the coming days and commit fully to his new role at RS Berkane. His departure would bring an end to a successful spell in charge of the “Blue Sharks”, which lasted several years.

RS Berkane have not disclosed the length or financial terms of Bubista’s contract. However, sources close to the agreement say it contains ambitious provisions designed to reflect the club’s domestic and continental objectives.

The appointment represents a significant change in direction for RS Berkane, who have moved quickly to secure a coach whose reputation has been strengthened by Cape Verde’s performance on the global stage.

Historic World Cup run

Bubista’s appointment follows an outstanding FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with Cape Verde. Under his leadership, the national side reached the last 32 of the tournament for the first time in its history.

Cape Verde’s World Cup journey ended with a narrow and honourable defeat by Argentina. The Blue Sharks lost 3-2 after extra time in the last 32, having produced a strong display against a team that later went on to reach the final of the competition.

The result nevertheless marked an unprecedented achievement for Cape Verde and provided the backdrop to Bubista’s move into club football in Morocco. His success with the national team was a decisive factor in the talks with RS Berkane, according to sources familiar with the agreement.

The possibility of Bubista continuing to lead Cape Verde while taking charge of the Moroccan club was considered during the negotiations. That option was ultimately not adopted, with the Portuguese coach now expected to focus exclusively on RS Berkane.

No further details of the contract have been released by the club. The agreement’s reported ambitions, however, reflect RS Berkane’s desire to compete strongly in both domestic and continental football.

For Bubista, the move begins a new phase after a memorable period with Cape Verde. For RS Berkane, it brings in a manager fresh from guiding a national team to its most significant World Cup achievement, following a campaign that ended only after a closely fought contest with Argentina.