Guy Bukasa leaves Al Hilal after brief spell in charge

Congolese coach Guy Bukasa has left Sudanese champions Al Hilal SC, with the club thanking him for his contribution during his short spell in charge.

Al Hilal announced Bukasa’s departure on Wednesday, bringing an end to a stint that saw him oversee the team during the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda before the club moved in a different direction.

The DR Congo coach guided Al Hilal to a third-place finish in the regional tournament, capping his time with the club by securing victory in the bronze-medal play-off after reaching the semi-finals.

Bukasa had stepped into the role while Al Hilal prepared for the new season, with the club later appointing German coach Josef Zinnbauer as its permanent head coach. Reports suggest Bukasa opted to leave rather than return to overseeing the club’s reserve and youth teams.

During the Kagame Cup, Al Hilal impressed in the group stage before losing 1-0 to Rwandan champions Rayon Sports in their final group match. The Sudanese side still progressed to the knockout rounds and eventually finished third after missing out on the final.

Before joining Al Hilal, Bukasa was head coach of DR Congo’s Under-23 national team and had previously managed Congolese club St-Éloi Lupopo, where he built a reputation as one of the country’s promising young coaches.

Al Hilal now turn their full attention to the upcoming domestic season and their CAF Champions League campaign under Zinnbauer, while Bukasa is expected to seek a new senior coaching opportunity following his departure.