Esperance Sportive de Tunis have confirmed the appointment of French coach Patrice Beaumelle as their new head coach on a contract running until June 2027. The 47-year-old replaces Maher Kanzari, who was dismissed earlier this month following a string of disappointing results, including a 1-0 defeat to Stade Malien in the CAF Champions League group stage.
The announcement comes just weeks ahead of Esperance’s quarter-final clash with Egyptian giants Al Ahly in Africa’s premier club competition, marking a high-profile test for Beaumelle as he begins his tenure.
In a statement on its official social media channels, Esperance said: “Espérance Sportive de Tunis has completed all procedures for contracting with French coach Patrice Beaumelle and his accompanying technical staff until June 2027. The full technical staff will be presented later.”
Beaumelle joins Esperance after leaving his role with the Angolan national team following their Africa Cup of Nations exit, where he recorded one win, four draws, and two defeats in his final seven matches.
Despite a modest recent record, Beaumelle brings extensive continental experience. He was part of Hervé Renard’s technical team when Zambia won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and Cote d’Ivoire lifted the trophy in 2015. He later managed the Ivorian national team, guiding them through qualification and into the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
At club level, Beaumelle led Mouloudia Club d’Alger to the 2023–24 Algerian league title and reached the Algerian Cup final in the same season. He also had a spell in Qatar with Umm Salal.
Esperance, four-time CAF Champions League winners, hope Beaumelle’s experience and tactical acumen can restore stability and success after recent turbulence. His first major challenge will be the two-legged quarter-final against Al Ahly, with the first leg in Tunisia and the return match in Cairo a week later.
Fans are optimistic that the French coach can guide the Tunisian giants back to both domestic and continental glory.
