AZAM Rwanda Premier League side Bugesera FC have appointed former Rayon Sports coach Thierry Hitimana as their new head coach on a six-month contract until the end of season, with an option for renewal.

The 37-year-old replaces Ali Bizimungu, who was sacked by the Nyamata-based club two months ago.

Hitimana’s appointment was confirmed on Thursday by Bugesera FC president, Jean Claude Gahigi.

"Bugesera FC are delighted to announce Hitimana as the team’s head coach. We need to build a strong team and believe he’s the man to guide the team to another level. He has signed a six months contract and will start work on Monday,” Gahigi said.

Last season, Bugesera finished fifth in the 16-team league table standing with 50 points from 13 wins, 11 draws and six defeats.

The Eastern Province-based side sacked Bizimungu over a poor run of results that left the club in the bottom half of the league table.

Assistant coach Maurice ‘Maso’ Nshimiyimana, who was put in temporary charge after the sacking of Bizimungu, has worked tirelessly to try and improve the team’s performance.

Bugesera FC are currently in 12th place with 10 points, two points ahead of bottom-placed Espoir after 10 rounds of matches.

Hitimana formerly worked as assistant coach of U-23 national team from 2012 to 2015, while he was Rayon Sports assistant coach from 2003 to 2015, working under different head coaches.

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