Rwandan center back Saleh Ishimwe has said he was happy after winning his first trophy with his new club El Merriekh FC-Bentiu in South Sudan.
The 25-year-old was in action as his side won the South Sudan Super Cup after beating Jamus FC 4-3 on penalty shootouts after the two teams finished 90 minutes of regulation time tied on a goalless draw in crunch clash held at Juba National Stadium on Thursday, August 14. Jamus is home to Ishimwe’s countryman Kevin Muhire.
"I am pleased to start the season with a trophy. Winning my first trophy at any level is good for me, I am extremely glad. I believe bigger things are on the way,” Ishimwe told Times Sport.
"Generally, the level of play was high where both teams created many chances but we did well by stopping them and I am glad I was among of the players who played a part in the trophy triumph,” he added.
Ishimwe joined El Merriekh SC Bentiu in July as a free agent. The former SC Kiyovu FC, AS Kigali and Bugesera FC center back received a sign on fee worth $20,000 (Rwf28.8million) to sign. He will also earn a salary of $1,500 (Rwf2.1million) per month.
The team finished third in the just-concluded 2024/25 South Sudan Premier League.