Rwandan amputee football star Fidèle Gatete has completed a move from Malatya Büyükşehir Belediyesi to Mersin Amputee Football Club ahead of the new Turkish Amputee Football League season, which kicks off on December 21.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who captains Rwandan amputee football team, has signed a six-month contract with Mersin that runs until May 2026, bringing his two-year spell at Malatya to an end.

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Gatete leaves Malatya as a league champion, having played a key role in the club’s title-winning campaign — a milestone that further cements his status as one of Rwanda’s most accomplished amputee footballers.

Confirming the transfer to Times Sport, Gatete admitted the decision to leave was not easy.

"This was a tough choice to make, but when a team presents a clear project you can fit into, along with a strong financial opportunity, you have to decide,” he said.

Despite joining Mersin from the defending champions, Gatete is optimistic about the challenge ahead. The club finished fourth last season, and he hopes his experience will help them reach greater heights while continuing to grow professionally.

He is among the pioneers of Rwandan amputee footballers playing abroad. In 2022, he and national teammate Patrick Imanirutabyose were selected by the Rwanda Amputee Football Association (RAFA) and signed for Pendik Belediyesi, a first-division side in the Turkish Amputee Football League.