Africa-Press – Rwanda. Tunisian tactician Hafedh Zouabi who was recently appointed on a two-year contract to coach the national handball team has said that he wants to build a fearless squad during his tenure.
His first major task is to lead the team into its second appearance at the 2026 Africa Nations Championship, which will be held in Kigali from January 21 to 31.
Zouabi brings with him decades of experience, including leading Tunisia to the Olympic Games. Tunisia remains the most successful team in the history of the Africa Nations Championship with 10 titles.
“My priority is to make these players smarter. One of the issues I’ve already observed is in the way they make decisions, which reflects the general level of handball in the country,” the 64-year-old tactician told Times Sport after a training session during the first camp, which concludes on November 5.
The training camp is being held in short, continuous sessions to allow players to return to their respective clubs as the league resumes. The first camp, currently underway, features 28 selected players.
Zouabi replaced Spanish coach Rafael Guijosa, who led the senior team to its debut appearance in the 2024 African Men’s Handball Championship. Hosts Egypt went on to claim their ninth title, while Rwanda finished 14th out of 16 teams.
However, the U-20 national team, which includes several players now joining the senior squad, enjoyed a strong 2024 season, winning the IHF Africa Trophy and earning a ticket to the IHF Intercontinental Trophy, where they claimed a bronze medal.
The newly appointed coach hopes to build on that achievement while applying his international experience, including leading Tunisia at the World Championship.
“It’s a perfect match for my squad and me. Our focus will be on building from the existing foundation while improving every detail, from defense to attack, to lift Rwandan handball to a higher level,” Zouabi reflected.
His plans extend beyond friendly games with local teams. He aims to organise international friendly matches as part of the second training camp, scheduled from November 26 to December 6, in preparation for the upcoming continental championship.
When asked what motivated him to take up the Rwandan coaching role after stints with national teams such as Tunisia, Jordan, and Bahrain, Zouabi explained:
“When I saw the federation’s post seeking a coach, I took time to do my research. I wanted to follow a developmental path aligned with my experience and qualifications that’s what inspired me to take this challenge.”
Zouabi holds a degree in physical education and a third-level handball coaching certificate. Since 1990, he has dedicated himself to coaching, leading several teams in Tunisia and abroad, including Jordanian and Tunisian clubs.
He was also responsible for preparing Tunisia’s national team for the World Tournament in Gdańsk (Poland), which served as part of the qualification process for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
As a former player, Zouabi began his career with JS Kairouan, where he reached the final of the Tunisia Cup for cadets in 1977. He later joined the senior team in 1980, quickly establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer, notably netting 11 goals in the semi-final that helped his team reach the championship final
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