In a groundbreaking development for African football, Sudan’s largest football clubs, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh SC have arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, not just for a brief visit, but with the intention of making Rwanda their new competitive home.
The two prestigious clubs are set to join the Rwanda Premier League for the 2025-2026 season, following the necessary approvals from both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
This significant move is largely prompted by the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, which have severely disrupted sports and daily life. The decision to relocate was made after extensive discussions within the Rwandan Football Federation, led by its president and supported by the league’s officials, who recognize the immense potential benefits of integrating such formidable clubs into the local football ecosystem.
Richard Mugisha, the Secretary General of the Rwandan Football Federation, expressed confidence in the decision during a press conference. “We had to have discussions internally as a leadership of a federation, of course led by the president. We needed to inform the league as well to understand the benefit of what this means. The Rwandan clubs understand how important it is to have clubs of their caliber in our league,” he explained.
Mugisha went on to emphasize the collective agreement reached among the stakeholders, highlighting how beneficial the inclusion of Sudanese clubs would be for both the local league and the visiting teams.
Al Hilal, one of Africa’s most storied clubs, is expected to host its CAF league fixtures at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Meanwhile, El Merrikh , which recently held a pre-season camp in Rwanda, is excited to return to the Rwandan top flight. With their addition, the Rwanda Premier League will expand to 18 teams, further enhancing the league’s competitiveness.
The historical significance of these clubs is immense. El Merrikh , established in 1908, and Al Hilal, which dates back to 1928, bring a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted footballing culture. Mugisha noted that “Al Hilal is the youngest team, and that youngest team is 95 years old,” underscoring the rich heritage of these clubs.
Darko Novic, the head coach of El Merrikh , expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Rwanda, where he previously enjoyed success with APR Football Club. Novic believes this collaboration will foster growth for both Rwandan and Sudanese football. “The competition is so tough that it’s not easy to play here,” he stated. “It doesn’t matter if you can play against a smaller club or a big club; the result is never assured.”
In terms of rewards, the Rwanda Premier League has outlined a unique prize structure. If a Sudanese club finishes at the top of the table, they will earn a championship trophy, but prize money will be allocated to the highest-placed Rwandan club. This decision reflects an inclusive approach to fostering competition while prioritizing the growth of local talent.
Rwandan authorities view the inclusion of Sudanese teams as a strategic move to elevate the profile and competitive landscape of Rwandan football.
As these esteemed clubs settle into their new environment, the anticipation among fans and stakeholders is palpable, marking a new chapter in African football history.
The successful integration of Al Hilal and El Malik could pave the way for future collaborations and enhance the visibility of the Rwanda Premier League on the continental stage.
