Amavubi legends Olivier Karekezi and Eric Nshimiyimana are among five candidates shortlisted for Bugesera FC’s job as club continues pursuit of new head coach.

The Nyamata-based club has been without a coach since Burundian Etienne Ndayiragije left a fortnight ago on mutual consent following a poor run of results during the first round of Rwanda Premier League.

Although club president Jean Claude Gahigi declined to give details on the five candidates shortlisted for the top job, Times Sport understands that the club management held talks with both Nshimyimana and Karekezi who are seen as potential replacements for Ndayiragije.

"We are in talks with many coach who we believe are capable of turning Bugesera into a winning side. But I can’t share much information until there is something more concrete from the talks,” Gahigi told Times Sport.

"Our fans should be patient as we look for the right man for the job because these talks are not as straight-forward as some may think. We will let them know the outcome as soon as possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, Djabir Mutarambirwa is taking charge of the club on interim basis until the new coach is appointed.

Mutarambirwa previously worked with Nshimiyimana as the latter’s assistant at AS Kigali before the club sacked them in December 2021 due to poor performance.

Karekezi is also in contention for the top job as he pushes to land a coaching job he last assumed at Kiyovu before the club sacked him in May 2021.

The former Rwanda international was spotted watching from the stands when Rayon Sports thrashed Musanze 4-1 during Tuesday’s league game held at Muhanga Stadium as he waits for Bugesera’s decision from his proposal.

Karekezi had a successful career as a player at club and national team level but he has been unlucky to excel as a coach during his past stints with Rayon Sports and Kiyovu. But he still feels he needs another chance to prove his worth from the touchline once he lands Bugesera job.