Espoir FC has officially released four players who are out of contract with the club ahead of the new 2015/2016 season.

Head coach Alphonse Gatera revealed that there are several out-of-contract players in the team but explained that so far only four players have been released while others are still in negotiations with the club for a possible renewal of their contracts.

Veterans Andre Lomami, Hamadi Katauti Ndikumana as well as Kassim Habyarimana and Frank Nkotanyi are the players that have been released.

Although Gatera preferred not to reveal the names of the players that will renew contracts and possible new arrivals, he clarified that negotiations are still in progress although other clubs have also expressed interests in them.

Gatera further added that players are expected to return for start pre-season training on Monday. 

He revealed that they are organising three friendly matches against teams from Bukavu town in Democratic Republic of Congo like Mungano FC and Bukavu Tower FC as well as Burundi’s Vital’O FC in preparation for the new season. 

Espoir FC finished in seventh position last season with a tally of 34 points from nine wins, seven draws and 10 losses with a deficit of six goals in 26 games played.