Coaching Shake-Up: Bubista Departs Cape Verde, Ivory Coast Reappoint Renard

Cape Verde have confirmed the departure of head coach Bubista after more than six years in charge, with the 56-year-old leaving to take over Moroccan side RS Berkane on a two-year contract. His exit comes after leading the Blue Sharks to some of the country’s finest achievements, including the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bubista replaces Moin Chaabani at RS Berkane after the Tunisian coach departed to take charge of the Tunisia national team.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast have brought back French tactician Herve Renard for a second spell as head coach following the expiration of Emerse Fae’s contract at the end of July.

Renard, who guided the Elephants to the 2015 AFCON title after previously winning the tournament with Zambia in 2012, returns to familiar territory after coaching Morocco, Saudi Arabia, France’s women’s national team and, most recently, Tunisia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although the duration of his new contract has not been disclosed, he is expected to arrive in Abidjan in the coming days to begin work.

The decision to reappoint Renard comes after Ivory Coast opted not to renew Fae’s contract despite his memorable run to the 2023 AFCON title after taking charge midway through the tournament.

Bubista’s departure is part of a broader wave of managerial changes across African football in the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup. Algeria have parted ways with Vladimir Petkovic, South Africa are searching for a new coach following Hugo Broos’ retirement, while Senegal dismissed Pape Thiaw after their World Cup exit, with Patrick Vieira among the leading candidates to replace him.

Tunisia have already appointed Chaabani on a four-year deal following Renard’s departure, while Ghana are still considering the future of Carlos Queiroz after the Black Stars’ elimination in the World Cup, with talks between the coach and the Ghana Football Association continuing.