Former champions APR have confirmed the sacking of long-serving Kenyan coach Sammy Mulinge after nine years on the job.

Mulinge, who joined APR in 2010, won three league titles – in 2011, 2012 and 2014 – among other notable achievements with the club.

According to a knowledgeable source that preferred to remain anonymous, the army side are set to appoint former Rwanda international Elie Mutabazi as their new manager.

"Sammy (Mulinge) will not be with us next season,” said the source. "Elie will soon be announced as our new coach. His passion and experience make him the standout choice for the job. Also as someone who played here, he understands well the club and its ambitions.”

Regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Mutabazi retired from competitive volleyball in 2013 and has since held various coaching positions – at club level and in national teams – largely as an assistant to Mulinge at APR.

During his playing career, Mutabazi featured for and won several honours with former National University of Rwanda (NUR) and APR as well as the national team. He also briefly played in France.

APR finished in a disappointing fifth place last season.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com