IN A dramatic U-turn, former Amavubi skipper Olivier Karekezi has come out of retirement to sign a one-year contract with Swedish third division club Trelleborg FF, Times Sport has learnt.

Karekezi suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Tunisian side Bizertin AC in a league match against Club Sfaxien in December last year. He immediately announced his retirement from playing when the club terminated his contract.

However, after undergoing a successful surgery in Sweden early this month, the forward has made a dramatic U-turn and now says he is ready to play on for another season. 

In a statement posted on Trelleborgsff.se website, the club said, "It is with great pleasure that Trelleborg FF present to you Olivier Karekezi as new acquisition for the season 2014.”

Karekezi, 30, scored 18 goals in 60 matches during his stint with Swedish first division side Helsingborg IF between 2005 and 2007 before joining Norwegian side Hamarkameratene in 2008. In March 2010, he returned to Sweden and played for second division club Östers IF for two years before returning home for one season. 

"After having a successful surgery, I was advised by my Helsingborg friend and coach Roar Ohisson to sign for Trelleborg as I work on my coaching license. Trelleborg will help me pursue my coaching certificate,” Karekezi said yesterday,

Trelleborgs FF has played in the Swedish first division league 17 times and once in the UEFA Cup. Karekezi joins Gambia’s Dawda Ngum, who has been the only African player featuring for the club.

Trelleborgs, who are targeting promotion to second division league are placed third position with 45 points, 11 points behind leaders Husqvarna FF in 26 matches played this season. 

Karekezi retired from Amavubi Stars in August last year after 13 years in which he scored a record 25 goals in 53 appearances.