APR release Kwizera as Maritzburg move delays

Goalkeeper Oliver Kwizera is the latest causality of an extensive clean-up by league champions APR FC after the player was officially released by the club on Tuesday. Last week, the military side released nine players following the appointment of new head coach Gilbert Yaoundé Kanyankole to replace Tunisian Nizar Khanfir, who left the club after guiding them to a record-extending 16th league title. Ironically, Kwizera, who still had one year left on his four-year deal with the club, was not among the players deemed surplus to requirements, and was being lined up for a professional move to South African ABSA Premiership side Maritzburg United. The former Isonga FC player confirmed to Times Sport on Wednesday that he is now a free agent after being informed by the club secretary general, Adolphe Kalisa, that he no longer fits in the club’s future plans. “I was informed on Tuesday to look for a new club because my contract had been cancelled, so right now, I am free to join any club of my choice,” said Kwizera. The 20-year-old Amavubi goalkeeper has been linked with a move to South Africa’s Maritzburg United, but the transfer has been delayed by failure to get visa in time. He noted that, “I am still in contact with Maritzburg officials, and we are still waiting for the visa which I applied for last week in Kampala. I will fly to South Africa as soon as I get the visa.” Kwizera, who joined APR in 2013 from Isonga FC, has been the club’s undisputed first choice between the sticks for the last two seasons. He also won the Peace Cup with the army side in 2014 and reached the final of the 2014 CECAFA Kagame Cup final in Kigali, which APR lost to Sudanese side, Al-Merreikh. The other players released included; long-serving goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli, captain Ismail ‘Kodo’ Nshutinamagara, Yannick Bukebuke, Tumaine ‘Titi’ Ntamuhanga, Jean Bertrand Iradukunda, Farouk Ruhinda, Bernabe Mubumbyi, Michel Ndahinduka and Bienvenue Mugenzi. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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APR release Kwizera as Maritzburg move delays