APR FC eyes elite coaches for Champions League quest

APR FC, Rwanda’s reigning football champions, are intensifying their search for a new head coach to lead the team in the upcoming CAF Champions League. The club has reportedly received applications from 32 candidates, with two prominent figures emerging as frontrunners: Tunisian tactician Nabil Maâloul and Portuguese manager José Miguel Azevedo Cardoso.

Nabil Maâloul: A Seasoned African Campaigner

Nabil Maâloul, 62, boasts a distinguished coaching career across Africa and the Middle East. He notably led Espérance de Tunis to a treble in 2011, clinching the Tunisian league, cup, and the CAF Champions League. Maâloul also managed the Tunisian national team during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His recent tenure includes a stint with USM Alger, where he was appointed head coach in July 2024 on a two-year contract

Reports indicate that Maâloul has initiated discussions with APR FC’s management regarding the coaching position. He is known for his preference for the 4-3-3 formation and is reportedly seeking an monthly salary of 100 million Rwandan Francs.

Reports indicate that APR FC has been in confidential negotiations with Tunisian tactician Nabil Maâloul for the past four months. According to sources close to the club, Maâloul arrived in Kigali secretly on June 3, 2025, signaling that discussions may be advancing to a final stage.

José Miguel Azevedo Cardoso: European Expertise Meets African Success

José Miguel Azevedo Cardoso, 53, brings a wealth of European coaching experience, having managed teams such as Rio Ave, FC Nantes, Celta Vigo, and AEK Athens. In 2024, he took the helm at Espérance de Tunis, leading them to the CAF Champions League final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 on aggregate to Al Ahly . Following his tenure in Tunisia, Cardoso was appointed head coach of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in December 2024

Cardoso is recognized for his attacking style of play and has a track record of developing young talent, attributes that align with APR FC’s vision for continental success.

APR FC’s Continental Aspirations

APR FC, established in 1993, has dominated Rwandan football with 22 league titles. The club’s ambition now extends beyond domestic success, aiming to make a significant impact in the CAF Champions League.

The appointment of a seasoned coach with continental experience is seen as a strategic move to elevate the club’s performance on the African stage. As discussions continue, APR FC supporters eagerly await the announcement of the new head coach who will steer the team towards their ambitious goals.

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