Newly promoted Kirehe FC are aware of the fact that adapting to life in the national football league will take some time but are keen to put up a spirited fight and prove they deserved to be in the topflight division.

This is according to the club president Celestin Habanabakize, who spoke to Sunday Sport in an exclusive interview.

The Kirehe district-sponsored side lost 4-3 on penalty shootouts against Pepiniere after a 2-2 draw in normal time in the second division final last Sunday, but both teams had already earned their ticket to play in the first division league for the first time.

Kirehe had also edged Etoile de l’Est 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. They had also seen off Vision FC in the round of last eight.

Kirehe and Pepiniere will replace AS Muhanga and Rwamagana City FC, who were relegated following a disappointing campaign for the two sides during the 2015/2016 season.

Habanabakize has warned that his team will be in the national football league to compete and not to make numbers. 

"It’s going to be a tough first season, there is now question about that. The pace and competitiveness in premier league is way high compared to the second division,” he acknowledged.

He further noted that: "It will take us time to adapt, especially that we are going to compete against teams that are used to the division, nonetheless, we will be in the league to compete, not to participate.” 

It is reported that the district of Kirehe will support the club to a tune of Rwf40 million while the remaining budget will come from partners and league sponsors, Azam Rwanda.

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