At a Glance
- African coaches earn global acclaim through historic wins, tactical innovation and transformative leadership.
- Leaders like Cissé and Mosimane elevate African football with strategic excellence and international success.
- Rising coaching talent strengthens Africa’s football identity despite resource gaps and limited exposure.
Africa has long been a cradle of football talent, producing players who shine on the world stage. Yet, behind these stars are coaches whose vision, strategy, and leadership have transformed teams and inspired nations.
African coaches are increasingly leaving a mark internationally. Leaders like Aliou Cissé and Pitso Mosimane inspire a new generation of players, while their success contributes to the growth of football infrastructure and professional coaching across the continent.
Despite rising acclaim, African coaches often contend with limited resources, infrastructure gaps, and lower exposure compared with counterparts abroad.
The path forward includes investments in coaching education, youth development, and partnerships with global football institutions, paving the way for more African leaders to shine on the world stage.
From historic tournament victories to groundbreaking achievements abroad, African coaches are staking their claim as some of the most influential figures in global football. Here’s a look at the continent’s top 10 biggest coaches as profiled by Shore Africa.
1. Aliou Cissé
Country: Senegal
Senegal’s pride, Aliou Cissé, guided the Lions of Teranga to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2021. He also led them to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, earning global recognition for his tactical acumen and calm leadership.
2. Pitso Mosimane (South Africa)
Pitso Mosimane is a legend in African club football. With Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s Al Ahly, he secured multiple league titles and two CAF Champions League trophies, making him one of the continent’s most decorated coaches.
3. Emerse Faé
Country: Ivory Coast
Emerse Faé made history at the 2023 AFCON, becoming the first coach to win the tournament while being appointed mid-competition. His achievement underscored the rising caliber of African coaching talent.
4. Walid Regragui
Country: Morocco
Walid Regragui carved a place in history as the first African coach to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final in 2022. His Moroccan squad impressed with disciplined, tactical football, attracting international attention.
5. Hassan Shehata
Country: Egypt
A name synonymous with Egyptian football, Hassan Shehata led the Pharaohs to three consecutive AFCON titles (2006, 2008, 2010). His era is remembered as one of Africa’s most dominant coaching periods.
6. Stephen Keshi
Country: Nigeria
Stephen Keshi, fondly called the “Big Boss,” won AFCON both as a player in 1994 and as Nigeria’s coach in 2013, showcasing a rare blend of on-field experience and managerial skill.
7. Florent Ibenge
Country: DR Congo
Florent Ibenge took DR Congo to third place in the 2015 AFCON and guided AS Vita Club to the CAF Champions League final, proving his expertise in both national and club-level competitions.
8. Mahmoud El-Gohary
Country: Egypt
Mahmoud El-Gohary made history in 1990 as the first coach to lead Egypt to a World Cup. His legacy set a benchmark for African coaches aspiring to succeed on the global stage.
9. Faouzi Benzarti
Country: Tunisia
With five CAF club titles, Faouzi Benzarti holds the record for the most continental victories by an African coach, highlighting his dominance in club football across North Africa.
10. Rhulani Mokwena
Country: South Africa
Rulani Mlungisi Mokwena is a South African football manager and is regarded as one of the best young coaches in Africa. He is currently the manager of Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 side MC Alger. Mokwena is known for transforming Mamelodi Sundowns and made them play the best football, which made the world know Sundowns.
