Appointed for a second term as head coach of the Saudi Arabian team since October 26, Hervé Renard has not turned his back on Africa.
Though he came close to committing to the Senegalese team, Renard ultimately chose Saudi Arabia, where he is embarking on a second tenure as head coach after his previous stint from 2019 to 2023. However, the French coach remains open to a return to Africa—a continent that has left a lasting impact on his career, particularly with his Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victories in 2012 with Zambia and in 2015 with Côte d’Ivoire.
Hervé Renard envisions a third AFCON title
In fact, the prospect of clinching a third Africa Cup of Nations remains a powerful motivation for the Savoyard. When asked about his interest in returning to work in Africa, he responded, “Why not? To try to win a third AFCON. It’s an incredible continent, truly a land of football. I almost made a return, but it didn’t materialize. Who knows what the future holds?” he shared in an interview with Le Monde Afrique.
He added, “I must admit that I have a preference for the role of national coach, as it allows me to represent a country and channel all the passion that comes with it. I’ve had the privilege of working in nations where the national team holds a special place. Winning an AFCON title or qualifying for a World Cup brings intense emotions, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience these moments in Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco.”
Leave a Reply