Joseph Akpala:Navigating European Managerial Waters

It’s not a common sight for a black man to sit on the bench of European clubs as manager and only recently, former Super Eagles winger and Enyimba of Aba coach, Finidi George called on his retired colleagues to return home and take coaching jobs in the NPL after failing in their quest in Europe. Recently, however, a former Nigeria international, Joseph Akpala seems to have found success where his more illustrious colleagues failed as he was recently appointed coach of a top Belgium club, though in an interim capacity

Joseph Akpala may not have been as successful as some of his contemporaries that played in the European big leagues and indeed won several laurels. Most of his playing career were within Belgium, Romania, Germany, Turkey and Saudi Arabia but the former midfielder is already navigating the waters his contemporaries have been craving for having been assistant at KV Kortrijk before his last appointment.

In an attempt to navigate uncertain waters, former Nigerian international Akpala has been appointed as the interim manager of Belgium’s Jupiler League side, KV Kortrijk.

Akpala, well-acquainted with Belgian football from his successful spells at Club Brugge, Royale Charleroi, and KV Oostende, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

With an impressive record of 90 goals in 286 league and playoff games in Belgium, the 36-year-old is no stranger to the challenges of the Belgian top flight. Akpala hung up his boots in 2021 after a brief stint at FC Dinamo in the Romanian second-tier.

Having previously served as an assistant to Veertien Speelers at KV Kortrijk, Akpala is familiar with the club and its dynamics.

As the team commenced training on Monday, the responsibility of guiding the squad has temporarily been entrusted to him until a permanent coach is appointed.

Alongside Jimmy and Kurt Berton, Akpala aims to provide the Kortrijk players with the support they require during this transitional period.

As KV Kortrijk gears up for the upcoming season, an air of uncertainty hangs over the West Flemish club.

The team, currently under the ownership of wealthy Malaysian Vincent Tan, finds itself in a state of flux as Tan seeks to offload the club. Since the end of April, the absence of a head coach, chairman, and manager has left KV Kortrijk without clear leadership.

Head coach Bernd Storck, the fourth to hold the position in a year, departed in April, followed swiftly by the resignations of CEO Matthias Leterme and chairman Ronny Verhelst.

The catalyst behind these changes was Tan’s desire to sell the club, an ambition repeatedly rebuffed when English clubs Bournemouth and Burnley expressed interest in acquiring KV Kortrijk.

The void in leadership, combined with the uncertainty surrounding a potential change in ownership, has raised numerous questions among players and fans alike.

In an effort to allay concerns, interim trainer Akpala emphasises the importance of remaining positive, stating, “We can’t afford to be negative; it won’t alter the situation.”

Akpala exudes confidence in the club’s determination to secure its future, expressing belief that decisions regarding a new owner and coach may be imminent.

Despite the unrest stemming from the potential sale, KV Kortrijk boasts a strong commercial foundation, offering hope for stability and a prosperous future.

In July 2020, Belgian First Division A club Oostende announced the departure of Akpala following the expiration of his contract.

The former Super Eagles striker had returned to the Versluys Arena outfit in the summer of 2020, signing a year deal.

The then 33-year-old forward only made seven appearances across all competitions for Alexander Blessin’s men that season due to injury problems.

“Striker Joseph Akpala is not offered a new contract and is therefore again a free player,” read a statement from the club website.

“We thank ‘Joske’ for his boundless efforts and excellent mentality and wish him every success in the further course of his career.

Akpala made 62 league appearances in his first spell with the side, scoring 12 goals between 2015 and 2018 before leaving to join Al-Faisaly.

The forward started his career with Pepsi Football Academy in Lagos before joining Bendel Insurance, where he signed his first professional contract.

He departed the shores of Nigeria to team up with Sporting Charleroi in Belgium in 2006 before signing for rival side Club Brugge two years later.

The striker moved to Turkey in 2014 to team up with Super Lig club Karabukspor, where he managed to score seven goals in 25 league appearances during his one-year stay before signing for Oostende.

Akpala represented Nigeria 13 times.