Handren SC has officially secured the 2025-2026 Kurdistan Premier League title, marking their second historic championship and their first in fifteen years. Led by veteran manager Dilshad Maroof, the team clinched the trophy with three matches still remaining in the season.
The title was decided during the nineteenth round of the league, where Handren traveled to face Rania SC. Handren delivered a commanding performance, securing a 2-0 victory away from home. This win moved them mathematically out of reach for their competitors, sparking celebrations for the club that was first established in 2006.
The victory cements Dilshad Maroof’s legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the region. This win marks his third personal Kurdistan Premier League title, having previously won back-to-back championships with Brusk SC. Maroof now ranks third on the all-time list of title-winning coaches, trailing only Samir Babo (five titles) and Suleiman Ramadhan (four titles).
Speaking to Erbil Newspaper following the match, Maroof credited the collective effort of the organization. “The unwavering support from the administration, the unity of the players, and their warrior-like spirit are the reasons we stand here today as champions,” Maroof stated.
The victory carried extra emotional weight for Assistant Coach Farhang Taha. Taha has now achieved the rare feat of winning the league title with Handren SC in two different capacities. “A dream has come true today,” Taha told reporters. “To win the Kurdistan Premier League with Handren as both a player and now as a coach is an incredible honor.”
Handren’s first taste of top-flight glory came during the 2010-2011 season under the leadership of Samad Jawhar. After a decade and a half of near-misses and rebuilding, the club has returned to the pinnacle of Kurdish football, proving their resilience in a highly competitive 2025-2026 campaign.
