Moroccan Coach Rachid Ghaflaoui Linked With Rwanda Job
Moroccan coach Rachid Ghaflaoui is being tipped for a return to the touchline, with reports suggesting he could take charge of Rwanda’s national team in the coming weeks.
Free since parting ways with Moroccan side Chabab Atlas Khénifra, Ghaflaoui has been spotted in Rwanda in recent days, fuelling speculation that he is close to an agreement with the Amavubi. The East African side were eliminated by Libya in the second round of 2018 World Cup qualifiers on 17 November and are seeking a new direction as they look towards the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghaflaoui is no stranger to African football. He made his mark during the 2014–2015 season with Nigerien club Sahel SC, guiding them to the round of 32 in the CAF Confederation Cup after eliminating Algeria’s MC Alger in the opening round. It was a historic achievement for the club and one that almost earned him the Niger national team job. Though he was strongly considered for the post, it was ultimately awarded to Ivorian coach François Zahoui.
Speaking recently to Africatopsports, Ghaflaoui reaffirmed his ambition to continue his career in sub-Saharan Africa, a region he believes has vast untapped footballing potential.
*”There is great human potential and quality here,”* he said. *”It’s an area of the continent that inspires me, and I want to be part of its football development.”*
Should he be confirmed as Rwanda’s next coach, Ghaflaoui would face a significant challenge. The Amavubi, who have never qualified for a World Cup, last appeared in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004. Their current objective is to reach the 2017 tournament in Gabon, but qualification remains a daunting task following their inconsistent form in recent years.
The appointment would also underline Rwanda’s growing ambition to build a more competitive national side. With increasing investment in grassroots football and a strong domestic league led by clubs such as APR FC, the East African nation is hoping to bridge the gap with Africa’s more established football powers.
For Ghaflaoui, it could prove a pivotal opportunity to establish himself on the international stage. Having already experienced continental competition with Sahel SC, leading a national team would be a major step in his managerial career.
Negotiations between the Moroccan coach and the Rwandan Football Federation (FERWAFA) have not yet been officially confirmed, but local media remain confident that a deal is close. If appointed, Ghaflaoui will be tasked not only with improving results but also with instilling greater consistency and belief in a team that has often flattered to deceive.
Rwanda’s next competitive fixtures will be crucial in determining whether Ghaflaoui can transform promise into tangible progress.
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