Tunisian Club Africain Appoints Maher Al-Kenzari as Head Coach, Replacing Faouzi Al-Benzarti

Club Africain Moves Quickly to Secure New Manager Ahead of 2026-27 Tunisian League Season

Tunisian football powerhouse Club Africain has officially appointed Maher Al-Kenzari as its new head coach, replacing the departing Faouzi Al-Benzarti. The announcement comes just one month before the start of the 2026-27 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 season, giving the new manager limited time to prepare the squad.

The Tunis-based club confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after finalizing contractual terms with the 42-year-old Tunisian tactician. Al-Kenzari steps into the role following Al-Benzarti's sudden departure, which left one of North Africa's most storied clubs searching for leadership during a critical pre-season phase.

Abrupt Coaching Change at a Critical Juncture

Faouzi Al-Benzarti's exit from Club Africain came as a surprise to many in Tunisian football circles. The veteran coach, who had been at the helm, parted ways with the club under circumstances that have sparked widespread discussion across the North African football landscape.

According to multiple sources, Al-Benzarti has moved to take charge of Libyan side Al-Ittihad Tripoli, marking a significant shift in the regional coaching market. His departure left Club Africain with an urgent need to find a replacement capable of maintaining continuity ahead of the new season.

The timing of the change presents both challenges and opportunities for the incoming manager. With pre-season preparations already underway and the league kickoff approximately four weeks away, Al-Kenzari must quickly implement his vision while assessing the squad he inherits.

Maher Al-Kenzari: A Rising Coaching Talent

Maher Al-Kenzari brings a blend of experience and tactical acumen to the Club Africain bench. The Tunisian coach has built his reputation through previous managerial roles in the region, demonstrating the ability to develop competitive sides despite resource constraints.

Known for his emphasis on organized defensive structures and transition play, Al-Kenzari's appointment signals Club Africain's desire for tactical stability. His approach is expected to blend pragmatic game management with attacking intent, a style that has earned him recognition among Tunisian football analysts.

The new coach inherits a squad with considerable talent but faces the challenge of integrating his philosophy within a compressed pre-season timeline. Club Africain supporters will be watching closely to see how quickly the team adapts to new tactical demands.

The Libyan Dimension: Al-Benzarti's New Challenge

Faouzi Al-Benzarti's move to Al-Ittihad Tripoli adds an intriguing regional dimension to this coaching carousel. The Libyan Premier League has increasingly attracted experienced Tunisian coaches, reflecting the growing cross-border movement of football talent in North Africa.

Al-Benzarti's experience in Tunisian and African football brings considerable credibility to the Libyan club. His appointment at Al-Ittihad signals the club's ambition to compete at the highest levels of Libyan and potentially continental football. This development also strengthens the football ties between Tunisia and Libya, two nations with deep sporting connections.

For Libyan football fans, Al-Benzarti's arrival represents a significant coup. The veteran coach's track record and tactical knowledge could elevate Al-Ittihad's competitive standing in both domestic and regional competitions.

Club Africain's Season Ahead

Club Africain enters the 2026-27 campaign with high expectations. As one of Tunisia's most decorated clubs with 13 league titles, the pressure to compete for silverware remains constant. The club's passionate fan base demands performance, and the board has made clear its ambitions for the upcoming season.

The management's swift action in securing Al-Kenzari demonstrates their commitment to stability. Rather than a prolonged search, the club moved decisively to appoint a coach familiar with Tunisian football's demands and dynamics.

Key areas requiring immediate attention include squad depth, pre-season fitness levels, and tactical cohesion. Al-Kenzari's ability to address these factors in the limited time before the season opener will likely determine Club Africain's trajectory in the early stages of the campaign.

The Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 remains one of Africa's most competitive domestic leagues, with Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Étoile Sportive du Sahel, and CS Sfaxien all posing serious challenges. Club Africain's appointment of Al-Kenzari signals their intent to be in the title conversation from matchday one.

— Libya Press / Sports Desk