Etincelles FC president Enock Ndagijimana has acknowledged the club’s poor run of results this season but has thrown his support behind caretaker coach Abdoul “Bekeni” Mbarushimana, expressing confidence that he can steer the team away from relegation. The Rubavu-based side recently dismissed Djuma Masudi along with his entire backroom staff following a disappointing first round of the Rwanda Premier League. Etincelles have struggled since the start of the campaign, managing just one win in 18 matches, a run that has left them rooted to the bottom of the table with 11 points. Bekeni, who previously served as the club’s technical director, has now been entrusted with the responsibility of rescuing the season. “Bekeni has long been associated with the club as technical director and we believe that, with him and other new members of the coaching staff that we are planning to sign, the team is in good hands and can survive,” Ndagijimana told Times Sport. Bekeni becomes the third head coach to take charge of Etincelles this season. Innocent Seninga began the campaign but departed in October after just two months, paving the way for Masudi’s short-lived tenure. While some supporters welcomed the decision to overhaul the technical bench, others warned that deeper structural issues must be addressed if the club is to survive. “The team is disorganised. We are tired of persistent mismanagement and constant changes of coaches,” said Valence Hakizimana, a 43-year-old Etincelles supporter from Gisenyi Sector in Rubavu District. “Bekeni may be the right choice in difficult moments, but the management needs to be more serious,” another fan said. Etincelles return to action on February 7, when they welcome Musanze FC to Umuganda Stadium.
