Kinshasa, July 12th, 2026 (CPA). – Moroccan coach Rachid Ghaflaoui has been appointed head coach of FC Saint Éloi Lupopo of Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province, according to the club’s official website consulted by CPA on Sunday.
« FC Saint Éloi Lupopo has officially appointed Moroccan technician Rachid Ghaflaoui as its new head coach during the club’s Ordinary General Assembly, » the statement said.
According to the club, Ghaflaoui is expected to arrive in Lubumbashi on Monday to oversee pre-season preparations, including a training camp in Tanzania. A holder of the CAF A coaching license, Ghaflaoui has built extensive experience across African football. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he previously coached SM Sanga Balende of Mbuji-Mayi, guiding the club to qualification for CAF inter-club competitions. His coaching career has also included spells with Sahel SC of Niger, Williamsville AC of Côte d’Ivoire, SOAR Academy of Guinea and Bahrain SC. Known for his discipline and organizational skills, the Moroccan tactician has been tasked with rebuilding Lupopo following a disappointing season.
His primary mission will be to return the « Cheminots » among the contenders for the Linafoot title and restore the club’s presence in African competitions. His appointment officially closes the chapter of former coach Guy Bukasa, who recently joined Sudanese club Al Hilal. Lupopo supporters now hope the new coaching era will restore the club’s competitiveness. During the play-offs of the 31st Linafoot championship, Lupopo finished fifth with 18 points from 14 matches.