SOCCER: Cape Verde coach Bubista takes Morocco club job

Cape Verde coach Bubista has been appointed as the new head coach of Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane, the club announced on Tuesday.

Bubista, who guided Cape Verde to the Round of 32 in the nation’s historic World Cup debut last month, joins RS Berkane after negotiations over his future included the possibility of continuing as Cape Verde’s national team coach while managing club duties.

No details about his contract were disclosed. However, media reports said the 56-year-old coach is expected to step down from his role with Cape Verde in the coming days.

RS Berkane won the Moroccan league title in 2025 and finished as runners-up this year. The club also reached the semifinals of the African Champions League last season and will compete again in the continent’s top club competition this campaign.

Bubista, whose real name is Pedro Leitao Brito, was named African Coach of the Year in 2025 after leading Cape Verde to its first-ever World Cup qualification.

At the World Cup, Cape Verde earned surprise draws against Spain and Uruguay before falling to Argentina in extra time in the Round of 32.

-Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Jan Harvey/Reuters