Lebanese side Nejmeh SC have confirmed Tunisian tactician Saad Dridi as their new head coach following the passing of former manager Engin Firat.
Firat died on his seat barely two months after taking charge of the team with his tenure having been disrupted by the ongoing war between Iran and Israel.
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The club announced the development, stating: “Al-Najma Athletic Club announces the signing of Tunisian manager Saad Al-Daredi to take over the technical leadership of the first team, after the passing of Engin Firat.
“The management of the club wishes the new manager and his assistant all the best and success in their mission, during the remaining matches of the league and the Lebanon Cup.”
Dridi arrives with extensive experience across North African football, having handled several high-profile sides including CS Constantine, Étoile du Sahel, CS Sfaxien, Al-Ahly Benghazi, Olympique Khouribga, Club Africain, and Stade Tunisien.
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He is widely known for his disciplined and pragmatic approach, often relying on structured systems such as 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, with a strong emphasis on defensive stability and game control. With over 280 matches in his managerial career, Dridi has built a reputation as a “fixer” trusted to steady teams during transitions and pressure situations.
At Nejmeh, he now takes charge of a squad that includes Harambee Stars internationals Austin Odhiambo, Masud Juma and Anthony Akumu. The Kenyan trio will be key figures as the club adjusts to a new technical direction in the closing stages of the season.
Nejmeh currently sit third in the league and remain firmly in the title race, with ambitions of mounting a late push for the championship. The league is set to resume mid-month after being halted due to the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict affecting the region.
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