Rwanda international striker Joy-Slayd Mickels has joined Maltese top-flight club Hibernians FC on a new deal after leaving Azerbaijan’s Karvan İK.
The 32-year-old forward was unveiled as a new Hibernians player on Friday, August 14, 2026, after spending one season with Karvan in the Azerbaijan Premier League.
Mickels joins Hibernians as the club prepares for the new Malta Premier League season, adding experience to its attacking options.
The Amavubi striker is one of three Mickels brothers playing professional football in Europe.
His twin brother, Joy-Lance Mickels, plays for Azerbaijan side Sabah FK and has recently featured in the club’s UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign.
Their younger brother, Leroy-Jacques Mickels, recently joined German third-tier side SV Waldhof Mannheim.
Hibernians’ record in Malta
Founded in 1922, Hibernians are based in Paola and play their home matches at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, which holds about 3,000 spectators.
The club has never been relegated from Malta’s top division and is among the country’s most successful teams.
Hibernians have won 13 league titles, 11 national cups and five Super Cups.
However, the club had a relatively modest 2025/26 campaign, finishing seventh in the 12-team Malta Premier League.
Mickels will now look to make an impact in Malta as he continues his professional career and remains part of Rwanda’s national team setup.
