The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has invited Sébastien Desabre, the coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to its strategic conference in Cape Verde from October 7-9. Desabre is credited with rebuilding one of Africa's historical football powers and leading the DRC back to the World Cup after a 52-year absence. He guided the Leopards to the 2026 World Cup, their second appearance in the tournament, and led them to the round of 16, where they lost 2-1 to England.
Desabre's experience and achievements have made him one of the most seasoned coaches on the continent. Born in France, he has gained most of his coaching experience in Africa, working in Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Tunisia, Angola, Morocco, Egypt, and Uganda. His experience in various football cultures, leagues, and national team environments has equipped him with a unique perspective on African football. The CAF strategic conference will analyze the success of African teams in the 2026 World Cup, where nine out of 10 representatives advanced to the knockout stage.
Desabre's journey to the top has been impressive. He started his coaching career in France before moving to Africa in 2010 to coach ASEC Mimosas in Côte d'Ivoire. He then coached Coton Sport in Cameroon, winning the national championship and reaching the CAF Champions League semifinals. He has also worked with top clubs in Tunisia, Angola, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. His first major national team assignment was with Uganda, which he led to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage in Egypt.
The DRC appointed Desabre in August 2022, and he has since transformed the team into a competitive force. Under his leadership, the Leopards have shown significant improvement, and his experience has earned him a reputation for building organized and disciplined teams. Desabre's success with the DRC has caught the attention of the CAF, which has invited him to share his insights at the strategic conference.
The CAF strategic conference will focus on the development of African football, with a particular emphasis on technical development, continuity, and long-term planning. Desabre's experience and achievements make him an ideal speaker for the conference. His story is part of a broader narrative that highlights the success of African coaches and their contributions to the development of the sport on the continent.
Desabre's achievements with the DRC have been remarkable. He has taken a team that had not appeared in the World Cup since 1974 and transformed it into a competitive force that can rival top teams like Portugal, Colombia, and England. His success has inspired a new generation of African coaches and players, and his insights will be invaluable to the CAF as it looks to strengthen African football in the lead-up to the 2030 World Cup.
The invitation to the CAF strategic conference is a testament to Desabre's hard work and dedication to African football. His experience and achievements have earned him recognition across the continent, and his insights will be crucial in shaping the future of African football. As one of the most experienced coaches in Africa, Desabre is well-positioned to share his knowledge and expertise with the CAF and help drive the development of the sport on the continent.
Key points
- Sébastien Desabre led the DRC to the 2026 World Cup, their second appearance in the tournament, and to the round of 16, where they lost 2-1 to England.
