Full Breakdown
Bubista Leaves Cape Verde to Coach RS Berkane
8/5/2026, 9:35:14 PM
Core Event: Resignation and New Appointment
Cape Verde’s head coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, resigned from the national team to become head coach of Moroccan club Renaissance Sportive Berkane (RS Berkane). The club announced the appointment on Tuesday, and the news was published on Aug 4 2026. Bubista, 56, signed a two-year (two-season) contract and is expected to leave the Cape Verde role in the next few days. He replaces Moin Chaabani, who moved to the Tunisia national team.
Background & Context
Bubista took charge of the Cape Verde national side in January 2020. Under his leadership the team reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and, in 2026, qualified for the nation’s first FIFA World Cup, advancing to the round of 32. The Blue Sharks were eliminated 3-2 after extra time by eventual runners-up Argentina. His achievements earned him the African Coach of the Year award in 2025.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 56 years.
- Contract with RS Berkane: two-year (two-season) deal (exact financial terms not disclosed).
- World Cup performance: Round of 32, 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina.
- AFCON 2023: Quarter-final appearance.
- RS Berkane league record: Finished second in the Moroccan top flight in the most recent season; won the Moroccan league title in 2025; runners-up in the current season.
- Continental club record: Three-time CAF Confederation Cup winner; reached the African Champions League semi-finals last season and will compete again this campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
RS Berkane issued a club statement confirming Bubista’s appointment and noting that negotiations had considered the possibility of him retaining the Cape Verde job, but the final agreement will see him focus exclusively on the Moroccan side. The Cape Verde Football Federation released a tribute acknowledging Bubista’s “dedication and contribution” to the national team and wishing him success in his next chapter. Media reports cited by the federation indicated that Bubista is expected to step down from the national team within days.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Contract length: Some outlets report a two-year contract, while the club’s announcement did not disclose the term.
- Name spelling: Sources refer to the coach as “Bubista,” “Bobista,” and “Bousta.” The coach’s full name is consistently given as Pedro Leitao Brito.
- League title year: RS Berkane’s league victory is described as occurring in 2025, whereas other reports mention a “2024-25” season; both refer to the same championship but use different phrasing.
- Financial details: No source provides the salary or bonus structure of the new deal.
What’s Next
Bubista is slated to leave the Cape Verde national team in the coming days and will assume full responsibilities at RS Berkane ahead of the club’s participation in the upcoming African Champions League season. The Cape Verde Football Federation will need to appoint a successor to lead the national side into future qualifiers and tournaments.
