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CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON - DR Congo: Hervé Happy's Strategic Approach
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. 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.
Egypt Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
FM Abdelatty praises Cyprus' support for Egypt in EU Institutions
CAIRO – 21 May 2015: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty praised Cyprus' support for Egypt in various European Union (EU) institutions, particularly with regard to the European financial package provided to Egypt. Abdelatty expressed his hope to intensify cooperation during the Cypriot presidency of the EU in the first half of 2026, especially with the upgrading of relations between Egypt and the EU to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This came during a meeting held by the top diplomat with his Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Koumpos on the sidelines of the African-European ministerial meeting held in Brussels. Abdelatty praised the distinguished relations between Egypt and Cyprus, stressing the importance of capitalizing on the political momentum generated following the two fruitful summits held in January 2025 in Cairo. Both summits, as well as the tripartite ones grouping Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, highlighted the importance of activating the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the last two bilateral and trilateral summits, as well as previous summits, particularly the labor agreement signed between the two countries. He expressed his hope to develop relations to broader horizons in various fields, most notably enhancing cooperation in the economic and trade fields, emphasizing the strategic importance of the energy file in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The two ministers exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, most notably the Palestinian issue. The Cypriot minister was briefed on Egypt's efforts to restore the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The two ministers emphasized the need to continue coordination and intensify efforts to de-escalate and mitigate tensions in the region to support security and stability.
Middle East
21-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// Abdelatty praises Cyprus' support for Egypt in EU Institutions
CAIRO, May 21 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty praised Cyprus' support for Egypt in various European Union (EU) institutions, particularly with regard to the European financial package provided to Egypt. Abdelatty expressed his hope to intensify cooperation during the Cypriot presidency of the EU in the first half of 2026, especially with the upgrading of relations between Egypt and the EU to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This came during a meeting held by the top diplomat with his Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Koumpos on the sidelines of the African-European ministerial meeting held in Brussels. Abdelatty praised the distinguished relations between Egypt and Cyprus, stressing the importance of capitalizing on the political momentum generated following the two fruitful summits held in January 2025 in Cairo. Both summits, as well as the tripartite ones grouping Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, highlighted the importance of activating the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the last two bilateral and trilateral summits, as well as previous summits, particularly the labor agreement signed between the two countries. He expressed his hope to develop relations to broader horizons in various fields, most notably enhancing cooperation in the economic and trade fields, emphasizing the strategic importance of the energy file in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The two ministers exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, most notably the Palestinian issue. The Cypriot minister was briefed on Egypt's efforts to restore the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The two ministers emphasized the need to continue coordination and intensify efforts to de-escalate and mitigate tensions in the region to support security and stability. (MENA) A I E/S R E
Middle East
21-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// FM hails strategic relations with France
CAIRO, May 21 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty praised the momentum witnessed in the strategic relations between Egypt and France across various fields. His statements came during a meeting Wednesday with Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, which took place on the sidelines of the African-European ministerial meeting held in Brussels. The development in the two countries' relationship came following the historic visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Egypt last April, during which bilateral relations were elevated to the strategic level, Abdelatty said. He affirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening joint cooperation in all political, economic, cultural, and educational fields, to deepen the partnership between the two countries in a way that serves their mutual interests. The minister highlighted the importance of the French private sector accessing the Egyptian market and benefiting from the investment opportunities available in Egypt, thus enhancing economic and trade relations between both countries. He also welcomed the support provided by the French side to Egypt within European Union institutions, particularly regarding the European financial package for Egypt. He outlined the economic repercussions on Egypt resulting from tensions in the Middle East and their impact on maritime security in the Red Sea and revenues from the Suez Canal, in addition to the effects of Egypt hosting a large number of foreigners exceeding 9.5 million. The two ministers exchanged views on several regional issues of mutual interest, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. Minister Abdelatty praised France's position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and welcomed the joint statement issued by the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Canada regarding the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, which called for an end to the war on Gaza and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip. He also expressed hope that France and other European countries move forward in recognizing the State of Palestine, considering this a key pillar for achieving peace in the Middle East. (MENA) M O H/
