AS Kigaliare close to signing right-back Hamdan Bariyanga, strikers Ernest Sugira and Isaïe Songa, who were released by APR FC this week, the club president Felix Masengesho has confirmed.

The trio was released after they were regarded as surplus to requirements by APR’s Serbian coach Lujbomir Petrovic, while another four players including Suleiman Kakira, Jules Niyigena, Nova Bayama and Fiston Buzizi were allowed to go out on loan for a season, and are all training with AS Kigali.

The two other players who have been let to go on loan are goalkeepers Kassim Ndayisenga and Umar Rwabugiri.

According to AS Kigali president Masengesho, the three players released by the reigning league champions are close to putting pen on paper after all agreeing personal terms.

He said: "We are still in talks, but we have to wait for the head coach (Eric Nshimiyimana) to give us the approval on who he wants (among the loan players) and after negotiation with APR.”

APR has completed the signing of striker Arafat Bahame from Etincelles and right winger Issa Bigirimana from Burundian league side Lydia Ludic Academic both one two year contract, while striker Bertrand Iradukunda, has returned from Isonga FC where has been on loan for two season.

The APR spokesperson George Gatete said: "We have released three players and they are free to join any club of their choice and another six players, who have are going out on loan.”

Gatete also confirmed that senior players including skipper Ismaiel ‘Kodo’Nshutinamagara, Jean Claude Iranzi, Andrew Buteera, and Tumaine Ntamuhanga are close to signing new contracts.