Leroy-Jacques Mickels signs for Germany’s SV Waldhof Mannheim

German 3. Liga side SV Waldhof Mannheim have officially announced the signing of Rwandan international winger Leroy-Jacques Mickels, bolstering their attacking options ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 31-year-old has signed a contract with the Mannheim-based club and has already linked up with his new teammates at their pre-season training camp in Austria, where preparations for the upcoming campaign are in full swing.

Mickels arrives with extensive experience in German football and is no stranger to the country's third tier.

Throughout his career, the pacey winger has represented several clubs, including MSV Duisburg and Türkgücü Munich, where he established a reputation for his speed, direct attacking play, creativity and ability to create and score goals.

His familiarity with the demands of the 3. Liga is expected to help him settle quickly at his new club.

On the international stage, Mickels has earned two senior caps for Rwanda after becoming one of the foreign-born players eligible to represent the Amavubi.

His versatility allows him to operate on either wing or in advanced attacking positions, providing head coach and the technical staff with additional tactical options.

SV Waldhof Mannheim believe Mickels’ experience, leadership and knowledge of German football will strengthen their squad as they seek to compete near the top of the 3. Liga during the 2026-27 season.

Founded in 1907, SV Waldhof Mannheim is one of Germany’s oldest and most historic football clubs.

Based in the city of Mannheim in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the club has enjoyed periods of success throughout its long history and remains one of the country's best-supported traditional teams.

Waldhof first rose to national prominence during the 1980s when they competed in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top division, for seven consecutive seasons between 1983 and 1990.

During that era, the club established itself among the country’s elite, regularly attracting large crowds and earning a reputation for developing talented young players.

Although financial difficulties and relegations followed in the years after their Bundesliga spell, Waldhof Mannheim remained one of German football’s most passionate clubs, supported by a loyal fan base at the Carl-Benz-Stadion, which has been the club’s home since 1994.

The club returned to the 3. Liga in 2019 after winning the Regionalliga Südwest title and has since worked to re-establish itself as a competitive force in Germany’s professional football pyramid.

Known for their ambitious project and strong community support, Waldhof continue to target a return to the 2. Bundesliga.

The Rwandan international will be hoping to make an immediate impact during the 2026-27 campaign while continuing to strengthen his position with the Amavubi ahead of future international assignments.

Photos

By Joseph Morris Vincent