African Managers who coached in Europe amid Pitso Mosimane's links

Pitso Mosimane is back on the job market after parting ways with UAE league club, Al Wahda by mutual agreement.

The celebrated South African coach lasted only five months in the Middle East and after a recent hospital operation, he could take some time off.

However, 'Jingles' is well aware that he will have no shortage of suitors if he wants back immediately. Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Kaizer Chiefs have been asked to pull out all stops to ensure they land the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach.

Many will also feel that it is time the 59-year-old took up a European coaching job. The three-time CAF Champions League winner has previously downplayed his chances of coaching a club in Europe due to their inability to trust an African manager.

"Is Europe willing to have a Sub-Saharan there? They've never had. Even those who are European black-born coaches don't get a chance," he said previously, as quoted by GOAL.
This begs the question, have we ever had African coaches manage in European leagues? Sports Brief looks at some of those who have had various stints.

1. Ndubuisi Egbo - KF Tirana (Albania)

The Nigerian national became the first African coach to lead a European team to a league title after his side was crowned champions in the 2019/2022 season. They also qualified for the UEFA Champions League.

He is currently the head coach of FC Prishtina, a side in Kosovo.

2. M'baye Leye - Standard Liege/Zulte Waregem (Belgium)
The former Senegal international player was handed the managerial reigns by his former club, Standard Liege in 2019 but was fired in 2021.

He was then appointed by another of his former clubs, Zulte Waregem in 2022, but only lasted 34 matches.

3. Mehdi Nafti - Lugo/Levante/Leganes (Spain)
Nafti is a former Tunisian international who has had several stints with Spanish second-division sides such as Lugo, Levante, and Leganes.

These stints have been short as either he has been fired or could not agree on contract renewals.

4. Lito Vidigal - clubs in Portugal

Raised in Portugal, the Angolan national has had several jobs in the country since venturing into coaching in 2004.

He also led Israeli side, Maccabi Tel Aviv to second place in 2017 but was dismissed that season.

Despite producing many talented footballers over the years, African coaches haven't realised much success outside of their continent.

One would hope that should Mosimane land a job in Europe, his success would bode well for others to take a chance on African coaches.