Amagaju FC head coach Pablo Nduwimana says he is confident his team will perform better in the upcoming 2017/18 season, which gets underway on September 29.

Nduwimana made the observation after his team lost 2-1 against the reigning Azam Rwanda Premier League champions Rayon Sports in a pre-season friendly played last weekend at Huye Stadium.

Djabel Manishimwe and Amani Mugisho Mukeshe netted for the league champions while Pappy Hussein Habimana scored for Amagaju.

Despite the loss, Nduwimana said that, "We lost but I’m happy with our general performance—results don’t matter a lot in these matches, what is important is the performance and improving fitness.”

"They played with commitment; exactly what, as coach, you need to see your players do… there is a lot to improve on as we get ready for the new season. Our target is to improve and do better than last season,” noted the Burundian tactician.

The Southern Province-based side finished 10th last season with 33 points from nine wins, six draws and 15 defeats.

Regarding signing new players, Ndiwimana said that: "Yes we have to bring in new blood in the term, we need players in key positions, and yes, we’re in the process.”

Although Amagaju are yet to sign any new players, they have released some players, who underperformed in the last campaign, they include; Regis Shyaka, Fabrice Fikiri and goalkeeper, Boniface Gahamanyi.

Meanwhile, left-back Hussein Hakizimana has signed a contract extension to remain at the Nyamagabe-based side for another two seasons until the end of 2019.

Amagaju FC kick-off their 2017/18 league campaign against Bugesera FC on October 1.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw