APR have announced they mutually parted ways with head coach Darko Novic and his entire coaching staff with immediate effect. The 52-year-old Serbian had signed a three-year contract with the reigning champions in June 2024 but his departure brings his spell at the club to an end after just 11 months. With the club on brink of losing the league title to arch-rivals Rayon Sports for the first time since 2019, Novic’s job was on the line amid discontent from club hierarchy which was not impressed by his performance. He is leaving the club with assistants Dragan Silac, Culum Dragan and Marmouche Mehd. A statement released on Tuesday, May 13, indicated that the coaches “mutually agreed to part ways with the club due to personal reasons” Novic helped APR win the Peace Cup 2025, their first since 2017, after beating Rayon Sports 2-0 in the final on May 4 at Amahoro Stadium. He also helped the club reach the final of CECAFA Kagame Cup 2024. They lost to eventual tournament winners Red Arrows of Zambia 10-9 on penalties after the pair played out a 1-1 draw after extra time. “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for their service and achievements with APR FC and wish them all the very best in their future endeavors,” the club said in a statement signed by Chairman Brig Gen Deo Rusanganwa. APR FC currently trail in second place in Rwanda Premier League with 58 points, just one point behind league leaders Rayon Sports.
