
Former AFC Leopards boss returns to Mali
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 03.03.23. | 13:08
Ivan Minnaert has rejoined Malian side Djoliba AC
Ivan Minnaert started his less-than-a-year stint with AFC Leopards on a high in February 2016, beating Gor Mahia 1-0 in the Mashemeji Derby, putting to a screeching halt their 35 game unbeaten streak.
AFC Leopards have not beaten their arch rivals ever since.
The Belgian, 63, had arrived from Malian giants Djoliba AC, where he also didn't last, stepping down after a year following the club's relegation after some of their games were invalidated.
Ivan now returns to the Bamako-based club after eight years for a second stint to replace Sèkou Seck who was relieved of his duties last month.
"Djoliba is home and it's nice to be back. I look forward to a successful stay," Ivan told Mozzart Sport.
Ivan holds the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest football coaching qualification. He received the UEFA Pro Licence in 2012 from the Football Association of Spain.
After a six-match winless spell, Leopards sacked Ivan over poor performance in August 2016. He sued that club for wrongful dismissal, demanding close to Ksh 3 million in compensation.
Based in Malian capital Bamako, Djoliba is one of the biggest clubs in the country alongside Stade Malien. They have won the Malian league 23 times, and are currently the defending champions.
They have won Malian Cup 20 times.
The club was formed in 1960 by a fusion of "Africa Sport" Bamako and "Foyer du Soudan", two successful teams during French Colonial rule.
The team was helped a lot during the 1970s by officer Tiécoro Bagayoko, a prominent member of the ruling military dictatorship of president Moussa Traoré. Many critics of Djoliba AC, especially coming from the rival Stade Malien, claim that the strength of the club was built during that period.













