Rwandan forward Joy-Lance Mickels has signed a new two-year contract with Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK after finishing as the league’s top scorer. The 32-year-old scored 19 goals in 25 matches during the 2025/26 Misli Premier League season, helping Sabah win the title and earning the golden boot. Mickels is Sabah’s all-time leading scorer with 72 goals in 139 appearances since joining the Baku-based club. The former Borussia Mönchengladbach academy player has also won one league title and two Azerbaijan Cups with Sabah. Eligible for Rwanda through family roots, Mickels plays for Amavubi, and his continued form in Europe is expected to boost Rwanda ahead of upcoming AFCON and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, young defender Darryl Nkulikiyimana signed his first professional contract with Belgian club Standard Liège, where he plays for reserve side SL16 FC. The centre-back has risen through the club’s youth ranks, with the deal marking a key step in his development.
