Just like tens of European coaches, Philippe Troussier came to Africa with minimal coaching experience on the top level, however, the seasoned manager made a name for himself in the Dark Continent. Having played for second division French clubs in his short football career, no one expected much from the frail looking man. Troussier's coaching career less than a year after he retired in 1983. His first managerial job was a short one with a club called INF Vichy before taking the helm at CS Alencon and Red Star 93. The Witch Doctor Takes Africa by Surprise His African adventure began in 1989 when he was lured by ASEC Abidjan of Ivory Coast. Troussier repaid the trust of the club officials by guiding the team to three successive league titles after a drought that lasted for ten years. Troussier's success led the Ivorian Football Federation to hand him the reigns of the national team in 1993. However, the former Stade Reims player failed to emulate the same success he had with ASEC and went on to coach Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa before heading north to coach Moroccan clubs CA Rabat and FUS Rabat. Troussier returned to coaching on the national team level in 1997 and guided Nigeria to their second successive World Cup finals, but was abruptly sacked. He enjoyed a short spell with Burkina Faso in January 1998 and managed to guide the African minnows to third-place in the African Cup of Nations on home soil. His success with Burkina Faso prompted South Africa to put him in charge of the Bafana Bafana side that reached the 1998 World Cup on home soil.
Will Zamalek be his next destination? Asia's Greener Pastures Having failed to lead South Africa past the first round in France, Troussier quit and headed for greener pastures, those of Japan. The man that was nicknamed the "White Witch Doctor" for his escapades in Africa proved his worth with the Japanese national team. Troussier had a glorious spell with Japan, guiding the team to the 2000 Asian Cup title and second place in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup before guiding the team to the round of 16 of the 2002 World Cup finals that took place on home soil. After reaching a God-like status in Japan, the French tactician opted for a new challenge and took the helms of the Qatari national team for one year during which he won the 2004 Gulf Cup. An Unlucky Streak After succeeding as a coach in both Africa and Asia he was called on by French giants Marseille, but his one-year tenure was more of a nightmare. Troussier's streak of bud luck continued as he was appointed head coach of the Moroccan national team only to quit after two months in charge following a difference of opinion with the FA officials. Troussier's final coaching job was in charge of Japanese side Ryukyu in 2007. He was overlooked by Azerbaijan for the position of head coach, which went to German Berti Vogts in early 2008. Only time will tell whether Zamalek will be Troussier's next destination, but what is definite is that if he does arrive in Cairo, his experience and talent will come in handy for the former African champions.
