With seventeen years in the second-tier league, Etoile de L’Est coach Isaa Camarade Banamwana is confident that his team is ready to land a spot in the top flight league next season. The Eastern Province-based club has been undergoing training sessions for the past two weeks at Ngoma Stadium for the forthcoming 2020/21 second division league which kicks off on September 18. Banamwana, who joined Etoile de l’Est last month from Kiyovu SC as assistant coach, told Times Sport that he has a good squad at his disposal which can accomplish the club’s mission to finally earn promotion to the top flight league. “Over the years, every coach who came here would promise to lead this team to the top flight league but they were not able to achieve that target. I also want to take Etoile de l’Est to the top flight league and it’s obviously possible that, together, we can achieve it,” Banamwana said in a telephone interview. “When you look at the players I have and the support that the club management is showing me, I am determined to put all my efforts to get this team promoted to the top flight league next season. I trust every member of the squad can contribute to this target,” he added. The club has reinforced their squad, securing the services of new signings including striker Jimmy Mbaraga, former AS Muhanga defender Fabien Twagirayezu and goalkeeper Protogene Rukundo while Fabrice Twagizimana extended his stay at the club until the end of 2021/22 season. Etoile de l’Est have on many occasions been tipped among the favorites to progress to the top flight league. They have been knocking on the door to the top flight league for years but are seen by many as the ‘unlucky’ club based on how many times they missed out on the top flight promotion in the final stages. Last season, for instance, the club were knocked out of the semi-finals following a shock defeat to Gorilla FC on penalties after a goalless draw. They were also eliminated by Heroes FC in the semi-finals of the 2018-19 season playoffs. But for now, Banamwana has insisted that, with his coaching experience, it’s now or never for the club. “It’s in our hands and we can do it. There won’t be any excuse. I didn’t join this club by signing a contract. We just agreed on the amount of money I should get if I get this team through to the premier league. It was like a bet and I am ready for the challenge,” he said.
