JUST days after guiding Young Africans (Yanga) to a historic domestic treble, head coach Miloud Hamdi has officially parted ways with the Tanzanian champions to take up a new role with Egyptian Premier League side Ismaily SC.

The French-Algerian tactician (pictured) has signed a one-year deal with the Egyptian outfit, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his managerial career after a highly successful stint in Tanzania.

Hamdi’s short but impactful reign at Young Africans was nothing short of exceptional. While the Community Shield was secured under his predecessor Miguel Gamondi, Hamdi took over midway through the season and led Young Africans to triumphs in the Mainland Premier League, the Muungano Cup, and the Federation Cup, reaffirming the club’s dominance in Tanzanian football.

The league title was sealed on the final day of the season with a dramatic 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Simba SC, a match that highlighted Young Africans’ resilience and composure under pressure. 

Just days later, they defeated Singida Black Stars by the same scoreline in the Federation Cup final, courtesy of goals from Duke Abuya and Clement Mzize at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Under Hamdi, Young Africans remained unbeaten in 21 matches, recording 20 wins and one draw, and ultimately finishing the season with five trophies: the Toyota Cup, Community Shield, Muungano Cup, Mainland Premier League, and the Federation Cup.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Hamdi had expressed uncertainty about his future with the club in the aftermath of their league title win.

“The future isn’t in my hands; it’s up to the club. I’m here, and we’ll see what happens. But today, I’m just very happy for the players, the fans, and everyone who loves Yanga. I wanted to win something with them, and we did it,” Hamdi said in a post-match interview.

Hamdi now takes the helm at Ismaily SC, one of Egypt’s most storied football clubs, but one that has recently fallen on hard times. The team endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, finishing 16th out of 18 teams in the regular season. 

Their struggles continued in the relegation playoffs, where they managed only two wins, three draws, and three losses, ultimately finishing 17th overall.

Despite their poor performance, Ismaily SC will remain in the top tier. The Egyptian Pro League Association recently announced the cancellation of relegation for the 2024/25 season to stabilize and restructure the competition. 

This move ensures Ismaily’s survival and provides Hamdi a platform to rebuild without immediate pressure.

The league will expand to 21 teams in the 2025/26 season, with four teams to be relegated and three promoted, restoring the traditional system in the following years.

In a statement announcing his appointment, Ismaily SC welcomed their new head coach with the message:

“A new era - Miloud Hamdi is our technical director.”

Hamdi will be supported by two assistants: Belgian assistant coach Hammadi Saghier and Tunisian fitness coach Marouane Silimani, forming a technical team tasked with restoring the club’s competitiveness.

Arriving at Young Africans from Singida Black Stars, Hamdi had succeeded Sead Ramovic, who left to coach Chabab Riadhi de Belouizdad in Algeria. In just a few months, Hamdi reshaped Young Africans into a trophy-winning machine.

Now, with Ismaily SC on the mend, Hamdi faces a new test in a league known for its intensity, passion, and pressure. The Egyptian Premier League offers a significantly more competitive environment, but also a chance for Hamdi to cement his reputation on the continental stage.

His appointment signals Ismaily’s intent to restore past glories, and with Hamdi’s proven track record of quick turnarounds and silverware success, hopes are high along the banks of the Nile.