TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON - DR Congo: Hervé Happy's Strategic Approach

CAF

3 days ago

Hervé Happy is the new head coach of the Leopards Women's team
He promotes a three-pronged management style: combining authority, a paternal posture, and active listening
He has travelled across Africa and Europe to build a balanced squad
When Hervé Happy talks about football, he doesn't just string words together — he builds. Word by word, look by look, connection by connection. The new head coach of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's women's national team has a name that sounds like a promise, but in his world, neither luck nor euphoria sets the pace.
At 47, Happy understands the weight of responsibility. One call from Kinshasa changed everything: a clear and ambitious proposal — to take charge of the DR Congo women's national team just weeks before the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set for July 5–26 in Morocco. The Cameroonian-born coach didn't hesitate.
'It's an honour, but more importantly, it's a mission,' he says calmly — a contrast to the urgency of the moment.
Both a field man and an analyst, he's not venturing into unknown territory. As a technical advisor for the French Football Federation, stationed for several years at the Paris League, he led scouting and youth training programs. His method — built on high standards and knowledge-sharing — earned him the respect of the FFF's technical staff. Across Africa, he has also worked with several federations as a consultant and trainer.
This dual African-European experience shapes a rare profile. DR Congo hasn't recruited a flashy name; they've chosen a builder.
To assemble a solid team for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Happy got to work immediately. He analyzed match footage, launched talent scouting in Europe, conducted an initial training camp in Tanzania, and carried out several scouting missions in Lubumbashi.
In a tough group — Morocco, Zambia, Senegal — he isn't looking for excuses, but for solutions.
CAFOnline.com: What was your first reaction when FECOFA contacted you to lead the women's national team?
Hervé Happy: It's always a great pleasure. Leading a national team is an honour. And in women's football, it's a very interesting challenge. You have to build, mentor, and help players progress. That's what motivates me.
How would you describe your management style?
I'd say it's hybrid. You have to be authoritative when necessary, hands-on when needed, and sometimes take a more paternal approach. I have two grown daughters, so I understand what it means to be both demanding and attentive. It's about balancing those three styles at the right time.
Your first impressions during the Tanzania camp?
I already knew the group. I'd seen a lot of the players in Europe, watched many of their games. But it's always better to have them in a training camp, to see them live. That's when you see their attitudes, team spirit, and group dynamics. It's very enriching.
What did you tell the players at your first meeting?
I told them it's a joy to be here, to play football. First and foremost, football should be a pleasure. Yes, there's a competition, but I want them to approach each session with enthusiasm. This first camp, and the next, are for evaluating everyone. We'll then select 21 players and 3 goalkeepers for the WAFCON.
DR Congo is in a tough group with Morocco, Zambia, and Senegal. Your thoughts?
If a team qualifies for AFCON, it means they're good. I take every opponent very seriously. Morocco will have home advantage, Zambia is always tough to handle, and Senegal is progressing rapidly. We're preparing one match at a time, with discipline.
What are the three core values you want to instil in this group?
First, discipline — in behaviour, both on and off the field. Second, humility — always. And third, strong character. You need heart to turn situations around. We saw it with the men's CAF Champions League — often it's the drive that makes the difference.
What would you say to a young girl playing football in Kinshasa or Goma?
I'd tell her to keep playing! But also to join a club. Football should be about enjoyment first. At that age, we're not talking competition. They need to discover the game and play freely. Let them have fun without pressure. Just last night, we passed by a beach and saw kids playing beach soccer. That kind of spontaneous football teaches a lot too.