Mukura Victory Sports president Olivier Nzeyimana and the club secretary general Sheikh Hamdan Habimana have relinquished their roles with immediate effect.

Speaking to Times Sport on Wednesday evening in a phone interview, Habimana confirmed that he has indeed resigned citing personal reasons, while it was not possible to get a comment from Nzeyimana, who is reported to be out of the country.

 "I cannot take it anymore and I feel it is the right time for me to step down; but of course, I will continue to support the team,” Habimana revealed.

However; inside sources told this paper that the ‘real’ reason why Habimana threw in the towel is because the club failed to sign good players during the transfer season to build on last season’s third-place finish in the league.

Last week, 21 players and the club head coach Godfroid Okoko signed a letter to persuade Habimana to change his mind regarding his decision to resign.

Among them is the club captain Andre Mazimpaka, who says they were all shocked by Habimana’s resignation.He says, "As players we are shocked. Habimana is an inspiration to the players.”

Both Nzeyimana and Habimana were re-elected in August last year and Nzeyimana promised to ensure that the club gets backs to its feet and start to compete for silverware.

The Huye-based outfit lost their two star players from last season, namely; left-back Celestin Ndayishimiye and Muhadjiri Hakizimana, who joined Police FC and APR FC respectively.

The club has signed several low profile players, among them; Patrick Ndikumana, Christophe Bukuru, Fabien Bagirayezu and Djumaine Hassan all from relegated Rwamagana City FC.

The others, including; Hamidu Simpenzwe and Hassan Rugirayabo crossed from league rivals Marines FC, all signing a two-year contract.

In a letter addressed to the club vice president Abraham Nayandi, Nzeyimana indicated that he resigned due to personal reasons. Nzeyimana is the proprietor of ‘Volcano Express’.

"Dear Mr Vice President, I have seen the messages received in general by the club players, the coach as well as the same fans asking me not to accept the resignation of the club secretary general which I cannot do. For this reason, I have decided to resign,” reads the letter in part.

Nzeyimana further adds, "As a passionate fan for the club, I will continue to support the team by offering transportation whenever they’re going to play league matches. I thank you for accepting my resignation.”

Nayandi, who also confirmed that Nzeyimana is out of the country, noted that, "It is shocking news to the club, but we expect him back in the country soon so that we can sit and discuss his resignation with the entire executive committee, and I believe we shall find a solution.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw