Uzamukunda passes pro trials

Rwanda and APR striker Elias Uzamukunda has passed professional trials at French Ligue 1 club, Nantes, according to his agent Emmeuble Twahirwa.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
SUCCESSFUL: Amavubi and APR striker Elias Uzamukunda has defied odds after passing professional trials with French first division side FC Nantes.

Rwanda and APR striker Elias Uzamukunda has passed professional trials at French Ligue 1 club, Nantes, according to his agent Emmeuble Twahirwa.

Twahirwa told Times Sport yesterday on phone that he got a communication from Nantes on Saturday informing him of the striker’s successful attempt to play in the paid ranks.

"Nantes officials called me on phone on Saturday and confirmed that Uzamukunda had passed the trials.

"However, a possible permanent deal will only come after they (Nantes) finalise negotiations with APR after which he (Uzamukunda) will achieve his dream of playing in Europe,” Twahirwa revealed.

"I have also been informed that they plan to come to Kigali soon for negotiations with APR,” noted, adding that he expects to get more information once the player returns to Kigali on Thursday.

The Rwanda international has been undergoing trials in the last two weeks along with three other African players for a possible deal at the struggling Ligue 1 outfit.

Being a left-footed striker, Nantes have been impressed with the prowess of Rwanda’s U-20 forward but any possible move would require him to first meet several conditions to be able to achieve any footballer’s dream.

Uzamukunda, 19 was accompanied by team mates Haruna Niyonzima, Jean Mugiraneza but the latter returned home after their trial at Le Havre.

The former AS-Kigali star, once in Kigali will immediately join the Amavubi Stars camp in their preparations for the 2010 World/Africa Nations’ Cup qualifier against Algeria on March 28 in Kigali.

Nantes is currently placed on 16th position with 30 points in 28 matches played in the French Ligue 1.

Ends