National football league side Espoir FC have given their skipper Said Abedi Makasi a one-year contract extension as reward for his fine performance last season.

The veteran former Amavubi Stars striker scored six league goals for the Rusizi-based side and helped the team finish in a respectable sixth position on the 14-team table standing in the last campaign.

Abedi had indicated that he was to retire from playing at the end of last season to concentrate on a career in coaching, but he later changed his mind and will now play for at least another season.

"Said Abedi is a key player whose contribution is still needed in our club. He has remarkably helped our club over the last two seasons; he’s an honest and disciplined player both on and off the field. He deserves a place in Espoir FC,” club president Albert Nsengiyumva told Times Sport on Thursday.

On his part, the former Abedi said: "At one point last season I thought about retiring but after realizing that I am still strong enough and able to play on for another season, I changed my mind.”

The former FC Brussels striker added: "I am a professional footballer and when the right time comes for me to hang up my boots, I will announce it.”