It came as a big surprise for many when APR FC announced the departure of their head coach Darko Novic, alongside his backroom staff, after only 11 months at the helm. But it was a matter of time for the Serbian to leave because he had lost the dressing room, a source told Times Sport. The Serbian had recently won the Peace Cup by defeating rivals Rayon Sports 2-0. He is also trailing the same opponent by 1 point in the title race. Prior to that, he had lifted the Heroes Cup and reached the final of the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Tanzania. On the continental scene, APR were bundled out of the CAF Champions League qualifying phase second round as they lost 4-2 on aggregate to Egyptian side Pyramid FC. ALSO READ: APR FC part ways with coach Darko Novic While the club hierarchy was not impressed by his performance, Novic had failed to control the dressing room. He was instead involved in an impasse with some senior players and it was affecting the team on and off the pitch, according to a source who spoke to Times Sport on condition of anonymity. Since his arrival in June 2024, the source said, Novic had problems with almost every player from Lamine Bah earlier in the season to Alain Bacca Kwitonda, Arsene Tuyisenge, Olivier Dushimimana, Victor Mbaoma, Pavelh Ndzila, Taddeo Lwanga, Richmond Lamptey, Clement Niyigena, Seidu Dauda and others. Most of the players are not happy with him because he doesn't have good human relations, he doesn't respect anyone and generally talks anyhow to journalists about players without considering the consequences, the source added. APR FC broke the bank and signed seasoned and experienced players, particularly from West Africa, in the June 2024 transfer window to beef up their squad for the 2024/25 CAF Champions League. Despite spending big on transfers, they were eliminated by Egyptian side Pyramids in the second round. APR have also had an unimpressive season under Novic whose tactics were often questioned as he was yet to find his ultimate first 11 and preferred to rotate the lineup every match day. His team couldn’t catch Rayon Sports in the title race even after losing their star striker Fall Ngagne in February through a season-ending injury. According to the source, the plan to sack Novic eventually gained prominence after the team's 2-2 draw with Etincelles at Kigali Pele Stadium on April 20.
