Bubista has resigned as Cape Verde head coach to join Moroccan club RS Berkane after leading the island nation to their first World Cup finals and a place in the last 32 at the 2026 tournament. The 56-year-old, who took charge in January 2020, also guided Cape Verde to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
His move comes after Cape Verde's historic run at the World Cup, where the Blue Sharks were beaten 3-2 by eventual runners-up Argentina after extra time in the last 32 last month. Cape Verde qualified ahead of Cameroon and were one of the debutants at this year's finals.
Why has Bubista left Cape Verde?
Bubista has signed a two-year deal with RS Berkane, who finished second in the Moroccan top flight last season, and he replaces Moin Chaabani, who has been appointed as Tunisia's new head coach. The Cape Verdian departs after more than five years in charge, having overseen the country's first-ever qualification for a World Cup.
The federation thanked Bubista for his
dedication, professionalism, and contribution to the development of the national team's sporting projectbefore wishing him
much successin his future endeavours.
What kind of club is RS Berkane?
RS Berkane are not traditionally regarded as one of Morocco's biggest clubs, but they have enjoyed notable success in recent seasons. The team from the north-east of the kingdom claimed their first domestic league title in 2024-25 and are three-time winners of the Caf Confederation Cup, Africa's second tier continental club competition.
The club also caused controversy in 2024 by wearing a shirt in the Confederation Cup that featured a map of Morocco including the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
How has Africa's World Cup coaching landscape changed?
Bubista is the latest coach to leave one of the 10 African sides that appeared at the World Cup. Vladimir Petkovic parted company with Algeria, who exited against Switzerland in the last 32, by mutual consent on Monday.
The 62-year-old Bosnian, appointed in February 2024, had extended his contract with the Desert Foxes until 2028 earlier this year. Ivory Coast and South Africa will not renew deals with Emerse Fae and Hugo Broos respectively after their contracts expired at the end of July.
Senegal sacked Pape Thiaw following their dramatic last-32 exit against Belgium, with the country's football federation saying it had made the decision
in the best interests of Senegalese football. The Teranga Lions have been linked with Patrick Vieira as a possible replacement.
Elsewhere, Tunisia appointed Chaabani on a four-year deal last month. The 45-year-old replaced Herve Renard, who had taken over the Carthage Eagles one game into their Group F campaign after Sabri Lamouchi was removed following a 5-1 defeat by Sweden.
Internal discussions are continuing at the Ghana Football Association after Carlos Queiroz led the Black Stars to the last 32, where the West Africans lost 1-0 to Colombia. Queiroz appeared to announce his own departure on social media shortly after that defeat.
Key Facts
- Bubista took charge of Cape Verde in January 2020 and has now joined RS Berkane on a two-year deal.
- Cape Verde reached the World Cup last 32 before losing 3-2 to Argentina after extra time.
- Bubista also took Cape Verde to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
- RS Berkane finished second in Morocco's top flight last season and won their first league title in 2024-25.
- Several African World Cup coaches have recently left or been replaced, including in Algeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia and Ghana.
