As former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Romain Folz assembles his backroom staff at Yanga SC, a familiar face from the PSL is poised to join him.
The newly crowned Tanzania champions, Young Africans, are expected to appoint the French tactician after he recently left Algerian club Olympique Akbou.
In the Mobilis Ligue 1, Folz, who has Moroccan roots, successfully helped Akbou avoid relegation after joining the team in March. He initially served as sporting director before taking on the role of head coach following his departure from Sundowns in December. He stepped into a challenging situation when the Kabylia-based team was on the brink of relegation.
The former head coach of Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC effectively guided the team to safety, securing important points against CS Constantine, USM Alger, and even a victory over MC Alger, the reigning champions and quarter-finalists in the CAF Champions League.
Following a strong recommendation from legendary former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, Yanga’s management opted for Folz. Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, would have had a professional connection with Folz from his time in FIFA’s High-Performance department.
The 35-year-old mentor will succeed Miloud Hamdi, who recently joined Egyptian Premier League club Ismaily.
MAJDI MNASRIA JOINING ROMAIN FOLZ AT YANGA
Meanwhile, veteran Tunisian goalkeeper coach Majdi Mnasria, who left Lamontville Golden Arrows last year, is set to join Folz’s backroom staff.
Mnasria, who is highly experienced, had two stints at the Durban club. His arrival at Yanga will be crucial as they look to defend the league title they have won in the last four seasons. They will also guide Timu ya Wananchi in the CAF Champions League.
Mnasria replaces Alae Meskini, who is now at the Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat. He played a key role at Akbou, helping the North African club to safety alongside Folz.
Mnasria is a highly experienced coach who has worked in Tunisia, Algeria, and South Africa for clubs including El Gawafel Sportives de Gafsa, Stade Gabsien Sports, Averine Sportif de Casserine, and Tunisia ES Metlaoui.
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