In A bid to avoid relegation from the Turbo League for a second successive season, Etincelles Football Club has signed not less than 15 new players among them former APR striker Yusuf ‘Chami’ Kayihura.The Rubavu-based side, who were relegated along with Isonga FC last season, benefitted from La Jeunesse’s fall from grace on financial grounds, to return to the top flight league.A new coach, Abdu Bizimana was brought in from Turbo league side Amagaju FC and since his arrival, the club has been one of the busiest clubs during the off season.The new signings ahead the 2013/14 league season that gets underway next weekend, include; goalkeepers Juma Nsanganira (Espoir), Ilunga Mukandi (La Jeunesse), defenders Bashir Manzi (Marines), Rammathullah Bizimana (Amagaju), I’saac Nahimana (Marines), Mbanyi Ndayisenga (Espoir), Jano Hakizimana (Marines) and Prince Nkunsi from Musanze.Others are; midfielders Salomon Gasangwa (Rayon Sports), Fidele Mutwewingabo (Marines), Ibrahim Ndikumasabo (Police), Fidele Nduwimana (AS Kigali), Hardi Hakizimana (Marines) and strikers Yusuf ‘Chami’ Kayihura (no club), Jean Bosco Harorimana (Rayon Sports) and Said Kuradusenge (Marines)On top of that, the club has also renewed the contracts of nine players, among them; Farouk Senzira (midfielder), Sultan Mutabazi (midfielder), Prince Mugabo Ismail (striker), Yves Imanishimwe (defender), Ismail Murengezi (defender), Osama Akimanizanye (goalie) Arafat Bahame (midfielder) and Jackson Iyakaremye (defender) Bizimana’s first priority will be to keep the club in the top flight division beyond the forthcoming campaign. Veteran striker Yusuf ‘Chami’ Kayihura, who also played for Zebra (now Gicumbi), Atraco and Police, was released by 2013 Peace Cup against Malaria winners, AS Kigali at the end of last season.
