APR FC Extend Hakim Kiwanuka’s Contract as Al Merrikh Sack Darko Nović After CAF Champions League Failure

KIGALI – APR FC have extended the contract of Ugandan international winger Hakim Kiwanuka until 2029, while Sudanese giants Al Merrikh have parted ways with head coach Darko Nović and his technical staff following another disappointing CAF Champions League campaign.

Kiwanuka, who had only two months remaining on his previous contract, has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal to continue his stay with the Rwandan military side.

The Ugandan winger has experienced both highs and lows during his 22-month spell at APR FC. However, he has remained one of head coach Taleb’s regular selections, earning the club’s confidence to extend his contract.

His renewal comes shortly after Burkina Faso international striker and APR FC captain Cheick Djibril Ouattara also committed his future to the club by signing a new two-year contract.

The two renewals demonstrate APR FC’s determination to maintain their key players and build stability within the squad rather than risk losing important members of the team when their contracts expire.

Meanwhile, in Sudan, Al Merrikh have made major changes following their failure to reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the second consecutive season.

The club decided to terminate its relationship with Serbian coach Darko Nović and his technical staff despite a 3-0 victory over Rwanda’s Étoile de l’Est.

Nović had been expected to help restore Al Merrikh’s competitiveness in African football, but failing to achieve the club’s continental ambitions reportedly left the management dissatisfied.

Al Merrikh had reportedly targeted South African coach Fadlu Davids as a possible replacement. However, he recently joined their rivals, Young Africans SC (Yanga SC), in Tanzania.

The changes could extend beyond the technical bench, with reports indicating that members of Al Merrikh’s management team have also been dismissed.

Board President Mujahed Abdullah Sahl is reportedly unhappy with the club’s continued struggles, particularly as their rivals continue to reach the CAF Champions League group stages.

While APR FC are securing the futures of important players such as Ouattara and Kiwanuka, Al Merrikh are facing a major rebuilding challenge as they seek to restore their position among Africa’s leading clubs.