The decisive championship stage of the Libyan Premier League is set to begin in early May, bringing together a diverse range of coaching talent from across North Africa and beyond.
A total of 12 teams will compete in the final phase of the competition, with managers representing six different footballing backgrounds: Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and South Africa. The mix highlights an increasing blend of domestic and international influence within Libyan football.
Local coaches lead resurgence
For the first time in several years, Libyan coaches are strongly represented and widely considered serious contenders for the title. Among them are Hamadi Al-Qawiri, who leads Al-Suwaihli SC, and Imad Al-Dahmani at Al-Madina SC.
They are joined by Mohamed Al-Kakli, in charge of Al-Hilal SC, and Mohsen Al-Hajj, who oversees Al-Afriqi Derna. Collectively, this group represents a renewed confidence in local coaching capabilities, with each aiming to secure the league’s 52nd title.
Strong Arab representation
The Tunisian coaching contingent forms the second-largest group in the competition. Radhi Jaidi heads Al-Olympi Club, while Mohamed Ali Maalej leads Al-Ittihad Al-Askari. Jamal Khasharm is in charge of Al-Ittihad Misrata.
Algeria is also represented through Khair Eddine Madoui at Al-Nasr SC and Reda Ben Driss, who manages Al-Akhdar SC. From Morocco, Reda Hakam takes charge of Al-Ahly Benghazi.
El Badry targets back-to-back titles
Among the most experienced figures in the competition is Hossam El-Badry, who currently leads Al-Ahly Tripoli. The 66-year-old stands out as the only coach in the championship stage to have won the league title in the previous season, guiding his team to success without a single defeat.
Having taken charge in March 2025, El Badry is aiming to deliver a 15th league title for the Tripoli-based club, reinforcing their dominance in Libyan football.
Diverse ambitions across the league
Elsewhere, the competition is marked by a wide range of ambitions. Moroccan coach Reda Hakam is seeking to guide Al-Ahly Benghazi to a fifth league title, which would be their first in 34 years.
Khair Eddine Madoui is targeting a fourth title with Al-Nasr, while Imad Al-Dahmani hopes to secure a third championship with Al-Madina, further enhancing his record in domestic competition.
South African coach Rulani Mokwena, who leads Al-Ittihad Club, is aiming to deliver the club’s 19th league title. Meanwhile, Radhi Jaidi is pursuing a second championship with Al-Olympi.
Other managers are chasing historic milestones. Mohamed Al-Kakli is hoping to guide Al-Hilal to their first-ever league title, while Reda Ben Driss and Jamal Khasharm share similar ambitions with Al-Akhdar and Al-Ittihad Misrata respectively.
Competitive balance signals evolving league
The upcoming championship stage reflects a league in transition, where domestic coaching talent is increasingly competing on equal footing with experienced figures from across the region.
With multiple clubs harbouring realistic title ambitions and a broad mix of tactical approaches on display, the Libyan Premier League appears set for a closely contested and unpredictable conclusion.
