Dar es Salaam. The countdown has begun at Chamazi. As Azam FC prepares for its boldest leap in recent years, the club is on the verge of unveiling one of Africa’s most decorated football tacticians Jean-Florent Ibenge as their new head coach ahead of the 2025–2026 season.
The Congolese tactician was brought to Dar es Salaam earlier this week for advanced talks with the Chamazi-based side, and sources reveal that everything has gone smoothly.
All that remains is the official unveiling to replace outgoing head coach Rachid Taoussi.
Although the club has kept it tightly under wraps, the truth is that Ibenge and Azam have reached an agreement, and it’s only a matter of time before he takes charge of the team a squad that has already qualified for the 2025–2026 CAF Confederation Cup.
With a wealth of experience coaching in African football from AS Vita (DR Congo), RS Berkane (Morocco), to Al Hilal (Sudan, now playing in Mauritania due to Sudan’s political instability) Ibenge brings pedigree and a proven track record.
But should he be the one confirmed, there are four major challenges awaiting him at Azam.
Building a new Azam
Ibenge’s first major task will be to rebuild Azam FC from the ground up, aligning with the club’s ambitions — especially for continental competitions.
A significant player overhaul is expected, with several current contracts expiring and others being terminated or players sold due to underperformance.
The Azam hierarchy has already hinted at a wave of exits and new arrivals, meaning Ibenge will be tasked with assembling a competitive squad — either with players he brings in or those retained by the club.
Rumours suggest he might rope in a few players from his former club, Al Hilal, to bolster the side and leave no room for excuses.
With that, his mission will be to sculpt a team capable of winning and delivering results immediately.
Challenging working conditions
One of the trickiest aspects for Ibenge or any coach joining Azam lies in the club’s internal environment, which past coaches have described as a difficult terrain to navigate.
Several former managers have lamented issues such as a lack of high-pressure expectations on players.
Despite having the financial muscle and bringing in top-tier talents each season, Azam FC has struggled to transform into a fierce title-challenging side — especially in the domestic league.
Ibenge must battle these institutional challenges and instill a new competitive culture if he is to succeed something that even seasoned coaches like Denis Lavagne (France), Hans van der Pluijm (Netherlands), George Lwandamina (Zambia), Joseph Omog (Cameroon), George ‘Best’ Nsimbe (Uganda), and Youssouf Dabo (Senegal) failed to fully achieve.
Conquering the continent
Since Azam started participating in CAF competitions, the club has never reached the group stage a feat even achieved by Namungo on their maiden appearance, despite later failing to win or score in any group match.
With significant investment, top coaches, and quality players, the big question remains: Why has Azam underperformed in Africa?
This marks their second attempt at the CAF Champions League after a nine-year absence.
The last time was in 2015, when they were eliminated by Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh, then led by their now-goalkeeper, Mohammed Mustafa.
Last season, expectations were high again, but the same disappointments followed.
Should Ibenge be officially handed the reins, he could either turn Azam’s fortunes around or risk becoming just another name on their long list of underachieving coaches.
However, given his pedigree and record including CAF tournament titles and semi-final appearances fans are hopeful that he can at least guide them to the quarterfinals, with the group stage considered a minimum requirement.
Ending the league title drought
Azam last won the Tanzanian Premier League in the 2013–2014 season. At the time, many believed it was the dawn of a new era one of sustained success. But over a decade later, that title remains their only one.
That alone puts immense pressure on any incoming coach to reclaim domestic glory, alongside ambitions of winning the Federation Cup, which they last lifted in the 2018–2019 season.
Given Ibenge’s proven title-winning track record, this represents another mission for him: to challenge Tanzanian powerhouses Simba and Yanga and restore Azam’s relevance in the title race.
