Bayama, Rwigema join Rayon as Imanishimwe goes to APR

The long standing battle between local rivals Rayon Sports and APR FC, over four players including Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Nova Bayama and Yves Rwigema has finally been sorted out by Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA). In an emergency meeting on Thursday evening, FERWAFA pronounced its position on the four players, confirming that league defending champions APR didn’t break any law in signing left-back Imanishimwe from Rayon while the latter were also right to sign both Bayama and Rwigema from APR. For Rwatubyaye, FERWAFA said they are waiting for him to show up before his case can be resolved, according to the Rayon Sports secretary general and spokesperson, Olivier Gakwaya. The 2016/17 national football league season started on Friday evening with Police FC playing against Rayon Sports, who had requested for the match to be postponed until the situation of the four players had been sorted out. After Rayon Sports signed Rwigema, Rwatubyaye and Bayama, who came through the APR academy, the army side refused to give them release letters but after Thursday’s meeting, both Rwigemana and Bayama got their licenses on Friday morning and were set to make their debut against Police. “The three players have been given licenses,” said FERWAFA vice president Vedaste Kayiranga. “They had problems with their documents but that has been sorted out, it was decided that Rwigema and Bayama will play for Rayon Sports while Imanishimwe will play for APR,” APR secretary general Adolphe Camalade Kalisa said after the meeting. According to FERWAFA’s recommendation, Rayon Sports are supposed to pay APR Rfw1 million for Rwigema and Bayama, while APR will pay Rwf3.2 million for Imanishimwe. FERWAFA vice president said that they will work on Rwatubyaye’s documents if he shows up, “If he shows up we will see what to do with his case but for now we cannot discuss him.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw