Tunisian top-flight side Union Sportive de Tataouine have officially parted ways with head coach Sami Al-Qafsi and appointed Hakim Al-Zahafi to lead the team for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.
The decision, confirmed in a statement issued by the club on Monday, marks a significant move as Tataouine battle to avoid relegation from the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1.
Al-Zahafi, who signed a short-term contract until the end of the season, replaces Al-Qafsi following the club’s disappointing campaign, which currently sees them rooted to the bottom of the league standings.
Tataouine have accumulated just 18 points so far this term, sitting four points adrift of safety with only three matches left to play.
In its official announcement shared via Facebook, the club stated that the coaching change was necessary at this stage, while urging fans to support the team in the critical final phase of the season.
“We call on our supporters to stand firmly behind the team and not be influenced by destructive judgments,” the statement read.
Despite their current position, the club expressed optimism about their chances of survival, emphasizing that they remain in contention alongside other teams at the lower end of the table.
“US Tataouine will not walk alone, and our chances are still strong, just like those of the other teams in the relegation zone,” the statement added.
Al-Zahafi’s immediate challenge will be to rally the squad and secure maximum points from the final three fixtures, in hopes of avoiding the drop.
His appointment is seen as a bold attempt to inject new energy and tactical direction into a struggling side at a decisive moment.
With little room for error, all eyes will be on Tataouine’s upcoming performances as the league enters its final stretch.
