Rayon Sports keeper Bakame ready to fight for starting slot

Rayon Sports first choice goalkeeper Eric Bakame Ndayishimiye has insisted that he is ready and prepared for expected competition for the starting spot from new signing Evariste Mutuyimana. Speaking to Sunday Sport, Ndayishimiye acknowledged that he knew he would face tough competition for a starting berth when Mutuyimana penned a two year- deal last month from Kenyan side Sofapaka. Ahead of the start of the 2016/17 season on October 14, Bakame, who is also the Amavubi first choice goalie says, “I love competition, it makes me a better player and keeps everyone on his toes.” “When Mutuyimana signed that contract, I knew there would be competition, but that is a normal thing to three competitive goalkeepers, all fighting for the starting place in the team, he explained. The former APR FC goalkeeper added, Ive had competition all my entire career against best keepers in Rwanda and I dont have any fear to compete when you are at a top club like Rayon Sports. There should always be competition, but only one goalkeeper can play. I can only look after my own performance on the pitch. The arrival of a new goalkeeper has changed nothing. I work hard, keep both feet on the ground and have confidence in myself,” he noted. Head coach Djuma Masudi is hoping the competition between Ndayishimiye and Mutuyimana can only be fruitful for the club in upcoming season. Bakame joined Rayon Sports in 2013 from archrivals APR FC and went on to win the league in the same season under French coach Didier Gomes da Rosa as well as the Peace Cup last season. “I knew when we signed Mutuyimana that we now have two really strong goalkeepers which is good for the club in terms of competition,” Masudi said in a separate interview. He noted that the two experienced goalies will be looking over their shoulders because third choice, Abouba Bashunga will also have a big say on who gets the nod as he pushes for playing time. Rayon Sports have signed several players ahead of the new season, among them is; play-maker Shassir Niyonkuru from Burundian giants Vital’O, midfielder Zappy Ishimwe from Sunrise FC, left-back Ivan Senyange, striker Frank Lomami from Musanze. Others include; winger Nova Bayama from Mukura Victory Sports, AS Muhanga defender Jimmy Ange Mutsinzi as well as center-back Abdul Rwatubyaye and right-back Yves Rwigema from APR FC. However, the seven-time Rwandan league champions have also lost key players including left-back Emmanuel Imanishimwe, who signed for APR FC as well as forwards Davis Kasirye and Ismailia Diarra, who joined DR Congo’s Daring Club Motema Pembe. editorial@newtimes.co.rw