By Ndong Gisela
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Former Hearts midfielder and Africa Cup of Nations winner Arnaud Djoum is set to take on senior coaching responsibilities at Anderlecht this week following sweeping changes at the Belgian club.
The Brussels side, one of Belgium’s most decorated teams and regular participants in UEFA competitions, have endured a turbulent period behind the scenes. Anderlecht, currently fourth in the Belgian Pro League, were knocked out of the UEFA Europa Conference League at the play-off stage earlier this season and have since undergone significant restructuring.
Head coach Besnik Hasi departed at the start of February after less than a year in charge. He was replaced on an interim basis by Edward Still, while Hasi’s assistant, former Lazio and Argentina midfielder Lucas Biglia, also left the club. Still’s tenure proved short-lived, however, as he has now taken up the vacant managerial position at Watford following a 2-0 defeat to Genk at the weekend. Sporting director Olivier Renard has also exited, further underlining the scale of change at the club.
Amid that upheaval, Djoum has entered the senior set-up, stepping up from his previous role as head coach of Anderlecht’s U16 side. The 35-year-old former Cameroon international is viewed as a steady and respected figure, qualities that first defined him during his playing career.
Djoum is best remembered internationally for his role in Cameroon’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Gabon. Operating as a disciplined and composed midfielder, he played a key part in Hugo Broos’ side as the Indomitable Lions defied expectations to defeat Egypt 2-1 in the final. His tactical intelligence and calm authority made him one of the leaders within the squad, even when not wearing the captain’s armband.
He went on to earn more than 20 caps for Cameroon and represented the country at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, further cementing his reputation as a dependable presence in major tournaments.
At club level, Djoum enjoyed spells across Europe, notably with Roda JC in the Netherlands and Heart of Midlothian in Scotland. At Hearts, he was regarded as a senior figure within the dressing room, admired for his professionalism and ability to control games from midfield.
His transition into coaching has been gradual but purposeful. Within Anderlecht’s academy structure, he has been working closely with emerging talents, focusing on tactical discipline and player development — attributes that mirrored his own style as a player.
With Anderlecht navigating instability at managerial and executive levels, Djoum’s promotion represents both continuity and a nod to leadership forged during a successful international career. For the former Indomitable Lion, the move marks a significant step in his post-playing journey — from midfield general to senior voice on the touchline at one of Europe’s historic clubs.
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