Former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Romain Folz is on his way out of Algerian club Olympique Akbou after reportedly going three months without pay.
Folz took charge of the Mobilis Ligue 1 side in March, serving as the sporting director while assuming head coach duties, following his departure from Sundowns in December.
He stepped in during a precarious time when the Kabylia club was facing relegation. The former Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC head coach successfully guided the team to safety, earning vital points against CS Constantine, USM Alger, and even securing a victory over MC Alger, the current league leaders and quarter-finalists in the CAF Champions League. With two matches remaining, Akbou is now safe from relegation.
Currently positioned 12th in the standings, they have matches against El Bayadh on Tuesday and Sead Ramovic and Khanyisa Mayo’s CR Belouizdad on June 20.
Akbou has accumulated 33 points, six points clear of the bottom two teams, aided by a superior goal difference. Even in the scenario of losing both games, they will remain safe from relegation.
ROMAIN FOLZ TO LEAVE OLYMPIQUE AKBOU IMMEDIATELY?
Information obtained by FARPost reveals that negotiations between the two parties have collapsed. This is due to unpaid dues owed to the coach.
As a result, the 34-year-old coach is set to leave the club immediately and may not participate in Tuesday’s match.
Given the club’s financial situation, it appears a decision has been made to sever ties and discontinue collaboration for the upcoming season. Folz will now weigh his options on his next move ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Nicknamed ‘Fohloza’, Folz is one of the few coaches worldwide holding dual PRO licenses from both UEFA and CONMEBOL.
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