Sunrise FC close signing spree, set high targets

After a signing spree that saw national football league side Sunrise FC sign 15 new players, the club has now turned focus to preparations for the new season that kicks off on October 14. The Nyagatare-based outfit have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market, and their latest new acquisitions include; former SC Kiyovu goalkeeper Jean Paul Mutabazi and APR central defender Yannick Bukebuke, who signed a two-year contract each. The duo brings the club’s new signing to15 players, an overhaul that has been done in a bid to turn the club into a local football powerhouse, according to the club president Bosco Ndungutse, who revealed that their main target in the forthcoming season will be challenging at the top end of the table. “We want to build a title winning side that can end the dominance of some clubs, we have had a chance to participate in the pre-season tournament and that is why we have signed these two players to strengthen some positions that were lacking,” Ndungutse said in an exclusive interview with Saturday Sport. Since finding a new home in Nyagatare, Sunrise FC have completely revamped their squad, including appointing Nigerian Andrew Ibeh as the new head coach on a two-year contract, replacing Sosthene Habimana, who has moved to Musanze FC. Ndungutse added that: “We want to have a team that will be able to compete favourably with the big teams in Rwanda. The two players should be the last we’ve signed this season and we hope the coach has a quality squad to help him achieve our targets.” Among the other new players are; Nigerian trio of strikers Alex Orofomol from Wikki Tourist FC, Samson Babuwa from Taraba FC, plus attacking midfielder Romeo Ojenuwa from Giwa FC, all on a two-year contract. Others include; goalkeeper Gahungu Habarurema (Marine FC), midfielder Leo Uwambajimana (Rayon Sports), left-back Gad Niyonshuti (SC Kiyovu), centre-back Sencel Manzi (Musanze FC) and midfielder Abdallah Musa (Lydia Ludic, Burundi). Also new at the club is right-winger Mamadou Mbazumutima (Espoir FC), centre-backs Clever Shyaka (Etoile de L’est), Pacifique Iradukunda (Nyagatare) and striker Etienne Rugamba (Karenge football training center). editorial@newtimes.co.rw