Midfielder Djihad Bizimana had a torrid time in his final season at Belgian Challenger Pro League squad KMSK Deinze which saw him end up banished from the first team.

The Rwanda international trained and played with the club's U21 side in the amateur league and he has already been put on the list of released players as he is set to leave the club when his contract expires on June 30.

Once a key component of the KMSK Deinze midfield, Bizimana played 18 league games in his first season before he fell out of favour under coach Marc Grosjean who was appointed as head coach of the club in October 2022.

The gaffer prefered Gaetan Hendrickx in the holding role as the player also repaid the faith he had in him with some superb performances.

Bizimana was signed from Waasland Beveren on July 1, 2021 after a successful two seasons spell but had mixed fortunes at Deinze.

It’s a worrying situation for a player who could be named as the new permanent skipper of the Rwandan national team with Haruna Niyonzima retiring from international football and Meddie Kagere in the twilight of his career.

Possible destinations

It has been almost a month since the transfer window in Europe opened and, till now, no news has popped up on the midfielder’s next move.

Bizimana is a great player who just needs a club where he will get adequate playing time in order to realize his full potential.

After four years in Belgium, Bizimana may consider a move abroad which could probably do the magic for him.

Having spent four years in the Belgian second league, the Rubavu-born player is now equipped and could make a name for himself in any of the big teams in the smaller football countries such as Slovakia, Slovenia, and others who will be playing in European club competitions.

Also a return to the local front is also a possibility with APR and Rayon both vowing to make a mark in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively next season.

Unlike other African players, Rwandan footballers are very unique, the past few years have seen Kevin Muhire, Abdul Rawatubyaye, Thierry Manzi and others coming back home to relaunch their career.

And Bizimana could do the same, who knows? APR or Rayon could lure him to their fold though the chances are slim and that might probably happen if he doesn't get any team of his choice in Europe or elsewhere.

National team pressure

With 46 caps already under his belt, Bizimana is an integral part of the Rwandan midfield and his club football matters can have an impact on his performance in the national team.

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Africa starts in November 2023 and Rwanda coach Carlos Alos Ferrer has stated that one of his top targets is to qualify Amavubi to the World Cup.

Africa has ten slots for the next world cup and it is possible Rwanda can make it there if all the country's key players such as Bizimana are playing active football at a good level.

Ferrer’s decision to summon Bizimana for AFCON qualifier against Mozambique raised question marks given his lack of playing time since he was frozen out by Deinze coach who was unimpressed by his performance only to send him in the second team.

The midfielder will need to find a new team, and quickly rediscover his form if he is to maintain his place in Amavubi and keep his armband.