A leading football club in Kurdistan has appointed a prominent new manager to lead its senior squad. Zakho FC has officially signed former AS Monaco coach Laurent Banide as its new head coach. As a result, the Frenchman replaces Tunisian coach Maher Kanzari, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent just 16 days after his appointment.
The 58-year-old manager brings nearly three decades of professional coaching experience to his new role. He began his coaching career in 1997 with the youth academy at AS Monaco. Through his tactical expertise and meticulous planning, he steadily rose through the ranks before earning a promotion to the club’s senior coaching staff.
Banide took charge of AS Monaco’s first team during the 2006 season. During his first spell in charge, he managed 32 matches, recording 13 victories, 11 draws, and eight defeats. He also guided Monaco to notable victories over French football powerhouses, including Lyon, Lille, and Marseille.
During his time at Monaco, Banide helped develop several outstanding players. He worked with renowned footballers such as Yaya Touré, Patrice Evra, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Czech international striker Jan Koller.
After leaving Monaco, Banide continued his coaching career across the Middle East. He managed several clubs in Qatar, including Umm Salal, Al Kharaitiyat, and Al Khor. He also coached Dhofar in Oman, Kuwait SC in Kuwait, Al Nasr in the United Arab Emirates, and Al-Orobah in Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he served as manager of the English club Oldham Athletic.
Throughout his coaching career, Banide has won two domestic league titles—one in Qatar and another in Kuwait. Now, the experienced French coach begins a new chapter with Zakho FC as he prepares the team for the upcoming Kurdistan regional league season.