Bubista Leaves Cape Verde for RS Berkane, Renard Returns to Ivory Coast

Bubista Departs for Morocco as Renard Returns to Ivory Coast

The managerial carousel continues to spin across African football, with two significant moves reshaping the continental landscape.

Bubista has stepped down as Cape Verde head coach after six and a half years in charge, accepting a two-year contract with Moroccan club RS Berkane. The 56-year-old departs on the back of a remarkable achievement—guiding the island nation to the World Cup last 32 for the first time in their history, where they mounted a spirited challenge against eventual runners-up Argentina before succumbing 3-2 in extra time.

That World Cup appearance capped a sustained period of excellence under Bubista's stewardship. Since taking the reins in January 2020, he has also steered Cape Verde to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, establishing himself as one of the continent's most respected tacticians. His departure to RS Berkane, who finished second in Morocco's top flight last season, represents a significant move upward for the north-eastern club—one with genuine ambitions, having claimed their first domestic league title in 2024-25 and winning the Caf Confederation Cup three times.

Bubista replaces Moin Chaabani at Berkane, who has departed to become Tunisia's new head coach.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast have turned to proven continental pedigree in appointing Herve Renard for a second spell in charge. The 57-year-old Frenchman arrives with an enviable track record, having won the Africa Cup of Nations twice as a coach—first with Zambia in a fairy tale 2012 triumph, then with Ivory Coast in 2015.

The Ivorians decided to part ways with Emerse Fae after his contract expired following their World Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the last 32 by Norway. Renard, who has since managed Morocco, Saudi Arabia twice, and France's women, is expected to arrive in Abidjan in the coming days to assume his official duties. The length of his contract remains undisclosed.

Bubista's exit marks the latest managerial shuffle among the 10 African nations that competed at the World Cup, following departures at Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, and Tunisia.