Relegated Isonga FC release whole squad

Relegated Primus National Football League side Isonga Football Club has released all their players, according to Secretary General Sandra Muhimpundu.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Robert Ndatimana (with the ball) and Justin Mico have been influential for Isonga FC. They are among players who will be released. The New Times / T. Kisambira

Relegated Primus National Football League side Isonga Football Club has released all their players, according to Secretary General Sandra Muhimpundu.

Speaking to Times Sport yesterday, Muhimpundu said that all players will be released since the club is taking a new direction of fielding younger players to compete in the second division next season.

The club, which forms the core part of the U-17 national team, will start the process to find new players from local academies and talent detection centres to replace the current squad.

Muhimpundu added that they will announce when the 29 players will be released and their possible destinations.

Isonga finished in sixth position in its debut season in the 2011/12 season but failed to maintain that impressive form in the just-concluded 2012/13 season, which saw them relegated to the second-tier league.

"We are still making an assessment on how we will handle this new project but the fact is that the current Isonga players will be released,” Muhimpundu added. "These players have gained experience and it is better we release them and identify and develop younger players from different parts of the country.”

Last year, Isonga sold eight players, including U-20 national team skipper Emery Bayisenge, Héritier Turatsinze, François Hakizimana, Michel Rusheshangoga, Eric Nsabimana, Isaac Muganza, Jacques Cyubahiro and Farouk Saifi Ruhinda – all to APR FC.

Goalkeeper Marcel Nzarora and centre back Faustin Usengimana joined Rayon Sport, while striker Hamidu Ndayisaba signed for AS Kigali.