Who is Herve Renard? The Tunisia coach known for turning underdogs into World Cup giant-killers

LUSAKA – Herve Renard, the charismatic French football coach, is once again at the epicentre of African football discourse, this time as he takes the reins of the Tunisian national team. Renard's appointment has sparked considerable interest, particularly across the continent, due to his unparalleled track record of transforming perceived underdogs into formidable contenders on the grandest stages. For Zambians, the mention of Renard's name evokes a deep sense of pride and nostalgia, recalling the miraculous 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph where he guided the Chipolopolo to their maiden continental title against all odds. Renard's coaching philosophy, often characterised by his meticulous tactical approach, unwavering discipline, and profound psychological understanding of his players, has consistently yielded remarkable results. His tenure with Zambia remains a legendary chapter in the nation's sporting history, culminating in that emotional victory in Libreville, Gabon – a tribute to the fallen heroes of the 1993 air disaster. This success was not a fluke; it was built on years of dedication, instilling a belief system within the squad that transcended individual talent. He famously repeated this feat with Ivory Coast in 2015, further solidifying his reputation as a master tactician capable of harnessing potential and delivering silverware. Beyond his AFCON heroics, Renard has also made an impact on the global stage, notably with Saudi Arabia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. There, he orchestrated one of the tournament's biggest upsets, guiding the Green Falcons to a stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in their opening group match. This performance underscored his ability to prepare teams to compete against footballing giants, a quality that Tunisia will undoubtedly hope to leverage as they aim for greater success in upcoming international competitions. His return to African football with Tunisia is seen by many as a significant develop