Belgian coach Luc Eymael has opened up on his latest move to DR Congo and his continuous links to South African teams.
His last team locally was a short stint at Black Leopards before his move to Young Africans in Tanzania.
Despite some interest and a deal at Chippa United, coaching in the country has become difficult after that now-infamous incident at Yanga. He was initially banned from working in South Africa by SAFA, but that ban was later withdrawn after he approached the FIFA ethics committee.
He has gone on to have stints at Stade Tunisien, Ett. Al-Misraty and has now been appointed as coach of DR Congo club Aigles du Congo.
LUC EYMAEL EMBARRASSING THE CHALLENGE OF COACHING IN THE DRC
“Life is not bad, not as good as in South Africa, Egypt or Morocco, but it’s okay,” he told FARPost.
“There is just terrible hectic traffic except on Sunday. I made the choice [to take the offer at Aigles du Congo] because it is in DRC. I started my African career with Vita Club, and my current team is a newborn team, just seven months old.
“The chairman likes young players; the oldest one is 24-year-old. The club is ambitious, developing its own infrastructure that will be ready in three months.
“I came here in January for the playoffs, so I signed until the end of the playoffs, and we have to do our best. It is very tough, but by our hard work, commitment, and God’s grace we can succeed in getting a spot for Africa [CAF inter-club competitions]. It will be a fantastic performance because you are playing against a lot of experienced teams that have a good background in African competitions,” he said.
WHY A MOVE BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA IS STILL A DESIRE FOR FORMER FREE STATE STARS COACH
He confirmed on a radio interview earlier this year that he held talks with AmaZulu FC, but the deal collapsed. The 64-year-old says his mission remains to help Aigles du Congo but doesn’t rule out a return to South Africa.
“You can never say never in life. But everything has its time, and it is often God’s time that will do things,” he said.
“It is an honour to be linked with South African clubs. It shows that some people still remember the work I did in your country. I can assure you I am receiving a lot of messages from South African fans to check on me or to encourage me. But for now, like I said, I have a contract here for these playoffs and I have to stay focused on my mission.”
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