Esperance Sportive de Tunis have confirmed the appointment of French coach Patrice Beaumelle as their new head coach on a contract that runs until June 2027.
The 47 year old takes over from Maher Kanzari, who was relieved of his duties earlier this month after a series of disappointing performances. Among the results that led to his dismissal was a 1-0 defeat to Stade Malien in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
In a statement released on their official social media platforms, Esperance said: “Espérance Sportive de Tunis has completed all the 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 arrives in Tunisia after leaving his role with the Angolan Football Federation, where he managed the national team. His tenure ended following Angola’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, with the team recording one win, four draws and two defeats in his final seven matches.
Despite that run, Beaumelle brings strong continental pedigree. He worked as part of Hervé Renard’s technical team when Zambia won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and again when Cote d’Ivoire claimed the 2015 title. He later served as head coach of the Ivorian national team, guiding them through qualification and into the 2021 edition of the tournament.
At club level, Beaumelle enjoyed success with Mouloudia Club d’Alger, leading them to the Algerian league title in the 2023 to 24 season and reaching the Algerian Cup final during the same campaign. In his first season in charge, he secured a third place league finish before departing in December 2024. He also previously coached Umm Salal SC in Qatar.
Beaumelle’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for Esperance, who are preparing to face Al Ahly SC in the quarter finals of the CAF Champions League. The Tunisian side, four time winners of the competition, will host the first leg before travelling to Cairo for the return fixture a week later.
The upcoming tie against the 12 time African champions represents an immediate and significant test for the new coach as Esperance aim to regain consistency and compete strongly both domestically and on the continent.
