Ex-APR duo opens up on life at Bugesera FC

Former APR FC goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera and striker Bertrand Iradukunda have admitted that they are enjoying life in Bugesera FC after a bright start to season. Bugesera are in fifth place in the national football league with 26 points, ten behind leaders Rayon Sports at the half way mark in the season.

Friday, February 03, 2017
Former APR FC goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera has opened up about life in Bugesera FC, saying he is enjoying every bit it. / Sam Ngendahimana

Former APR FC goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera and striker Bertrand Iradukunda have admitted that they are enjoying life in Bugesera FC after a bright start to season.

Bugesera are in fifth place in the national football league with 26 points, ten behind leaders Rayon Sports at the half way mark in the season. They have won seven, drawn five and lost three of their 15 league matches played so far.

Coach Vincent Mashami’s side are unbeaten at their Nyamata ground and in their last outing, they held defending champions APR to a 1-all draw, a result that cost the latter a top spot.

"This is a good team and we are enjoying life here. I am playing regularly in the first team - I'm really pleased to be here. Leaving APR was probably a good thing because when you join a new club, you get to learn new things," said Kwizera, who made several saves against his former club.

The Rwanda international added that, "I’m happy to be around these good guys (teammates) and getting the opportunity to play regularly. I have enjoyed my time here so far and I feel that I am at the right place where I can improve.”

Iradukunda, who was named man of the match against APR last weekend said, "I’m really enjoying playing here. I feel I am a better player now than I was last season. At first I had my doubts before coming here but that's in the past now, because life is good here.”

"The other advantage we have here is that we knew the coach and he also knew us quite well from the time of working with him at APR. He (Mashami) is a good man, who listens and gives advice like a big brother more than just a mere coach," he added.

Former APR assistant coach Mashami joined the Eastern Province-based club at the start of this season and was given the task to finish in the top six, a target that he’s on course to achieve unless his team deteriorates in the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Rayon Sports ended the first round in pole position after 15 matches. The Blues have 36 points, two points ahead of reigning champions and archrivals APR FC.

Innocent Seninga’s Police FC are in third position with 31 points with their striker Dany Usengimana leading the top scorers’ chart with 12 goals.

Top scorersDany Usengimana Police FC 12Shassir Nahimana Rayon Sports 11Shaban Hussein Amagaju 10Salita Kambale Etincelles 8Justin Mico Police FC 8Pierrot Kwizera Rayon Sports 6Faruk Ssentongo Bugesera 6

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