AZAM FC’s spokesperson, Hasheem Ibwe, has dismissed growing speculation linking the club to Al Hilal Omdurman head coach Florent Ibenge, affirming that the Chamazi-based side remains fully committed to current head coach Rachid Taoussi.

Speaking to reporters, Ibwe emphasized that Taoussi (pictured) has met the performance targets set for the ongoing season and that any evaluation regarding his future will only be made at the end of the campaign.

“Coach Taoussi is doing a good job. While the second half of the season has had its challenges, he has achieved the goals given to him by management. We remain focused on finishing the season strongly, and discussions about the technical bench will happen once the season concludes,” Ibwe stated.

He added: “The club leadership will assess his overall contribution - including the team’s final league position, his tactical philosophy, and player development - before making any decisions. As it stands, we are confident in his abilities.”

Rumors had intensified in recent weeks that Azam were eyeing Ibenge as a potential successor to Taoussi, particularly due to the club’s ambition to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage next season. 

Ibenge’s name emerged prominently due to his continental pedigree and successful coaching history.

Despite those reports, Azam are currently third in the 16-team Mainland Premier League with 57 points - 16 behind leaders and reigning champions Young Africans (Yanga) and 15 behind second-placed Simba SC.

The second half of the season has been turbulent for Azam, with early exits from both the Federation Cup -following a loss to Mbeya City - and the Muungano Cup. 

However, the club still has two league fixtures remaining: a home match against Tabora United today, June 18, and an away game versus Fountain Gate FC in Manyara on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Last season, Azam finished as league runners-up, earning a ticket to the CAF Champions League preliminary round. Their continental campaign, however, ended early after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to APR of Rwanda.

This season, Azam began with ambitions of winning the league and returning to the Champions League. While a league title is now out of reach, they have secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Ibenge remains a respected figure in African football, boasting a decorated resume that includes three DR Congo Linafoot titles and a DR Congo Super Cup with AS Vita. 

He also guided AS Vita to the finals of the CAF Champions League twice and won the CHAN title with DR Congo in 2016.

In 2021, he led RS Berkane to a CAF Confederation Cup title and a Moroccan Throne Cup victory. Currently coaching Sudanese giants Al Hilal, Ibenge has only managed to win the Sudan Super Cup, with league competitions heavily disrupted by the country’s political instability.

Although reports continue to link Ibenge to Azam, the club maintains that the fate of the head coach position will depend on a post-season evaluation of Taoussi’s performance and alignment with long-term objectives.