Rwanda international and APR Athletics Club runner John Hakizimana has inked a one-year contract with Italian side Atletica Castello Firenze.

The 21-year old confirmed the development to Times Sport on Tuesday.

The long middle and long distance runner lands the professional contract in Italy barely ten days after staging an awe-inspiring performance to win the national championship title in men’s 10,000 metres category at Amahoro National Stadium.

"The move to Italy is exciting, it’s a new challenge and opportunity to take my level to a whole new height. I signed one year with an option for renewal depending on how I will have performed in my first season with the club,” a visibly smiling Hakizimana said yesterday.

He further added, "I am still in Kigali for a few days before I leave, the club is yet to send me air-ticket. When you race in Europe – contract to our African setting – there are regular competitions to take, hence much easier to train and improve one’s level. In the long run, I believe it will also benefit the national team and the country on international scene.”

Sensational Hakizimana possesses a personal best of 32:09 in 10,000 metres, which he posted in Ethiopia in 2015 and 1:02:26 in half-marathon – posted at this year’s IAAF World Half Marathon Championship staged in Valencia, Spain in March.

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