Josef Zinnbauer set to arrive in Kigali as new Al Hilal coach

New Al Hilal head coach Josef Zinnbauer is expected to arrive in Rwanda on Tuesday, 11 August, as he prepares to begin his tenure with the Sudanese club.

The German coach is scheduled to land at Kigali International Airport at 09:50 local time, marking the beginning of his latest assignment in African football.

Zinnbauer has signed a two-year contract with Al Hilal and will take charge of the club as they prepare for another demanding domestic and continental campaign.

The 55-year-old returns to African football after previous spells with Orlando Pirates, Raja Casablanca and JS Kabylie, giving him considerable experience of the continent’s club competitions.

His arrival in Kigali is expected to pave the way for him to formally begin work with the squad, with preparations for the new season set to become an immediate priority.

Zinnbauer will be tasked with assessing his squad, implementing his tactical ideas and ensuring Al Hilal are ready for the challenges ahead.

Al Hilal, one of Sudan’s most successful clubs, have been based in Rwanda while continuing to operate away from home because of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The club have used Rwanda as a base to maintain competitive football during a period in which the conflict has disrupted domestic football in Sudan.

Zinnbauer therefore takes charge of a team with significant expectations, particularly given Al Hilal’s stature and regular involvement in CAF club competitions.

His experience with African clubs is expected to be valuable as he begins the process of building a team capable of competing on the domestic and continental fronts.

The German’s arrival in Kigali will formally usher in a new era for Al Hilal, with the club hoping his leadership can help them achieve their ambitions in the coming season.