FILE - RS Berkane Tunisian coach Mouin Chaabani. Photo: CAF
In a statement published on their official Facebook page on Friday, the club said: “RS Berkane announce to their loyal fans and the sporting public that the team’s coach, Mouin Chaabani, has received an official request from the Tunisian Football Federation to take charge of the Tunisian national team.”
The Moroccan club added that Chaabani remains contractually tied to RS Berkane until 30 June 2027, noting that he had previously been approached twice before about the national team job, with contact resuming for a third time.
Recognising the profound patriotic significance of leading a national team, RS Berkane have expressed their full cooperation, citing the “special value of leading the national team and the call of duty to serve one’s country.” They noted that the decision reflects “the strong spirit of brotherhood, respect, and mutual sporting collaboration between Morocco and Tunisia.”
"Chaabani has demonstrated immense professionalism, constant commitment, and deep respect for the club, their board, players, and supporters," Berkane added, wishing him success in his new role.
The club also reassured their fans that management are already working diligently to ensure a seamless transition for the upcoming period.
A glittering legacy in Morocco
During his two-and-a-half-year tenure, Chaabani guided RS Berkane to historic success, securing their first-ever Moroccan league title and the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2024-25 season, completing a remarkable domestic and continental double.
Tunisian media reports suggest the Tunisian Football Federation have agreed to a four-year deal with Chaabani as part of a long-term project for Tunisia, who are seeking stability after a turbulent period.
Chaabani replaces Frenchman Herve Renard, who was appointed on an interim basis for the World Cup following the dismissal of compatriot Sabri Lamouchi after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in the group stage.
A former defender born in Béja, Chaabani had a distinguished playing career at Espérance de Tunis, as well as stints in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, before transitioning into coaching with CS Hammam-Lif and as an assistant at Espérance.
He took sole charge of Esperance in 2018, leading them to back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2018 and 2019, along with five consecutive league titles between 2017 and 2021.
He also has experience in Egyptian football, having managed Port Said’s side Masry in 2021-22 and Ceramica Cleopatra in 2023, before a brief second spell at Esperance later that year.
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