Former Rayon Sports midfielder Aphrodis ‘Kanombe’ Hategekimana has said he is ready for the new challenge after signing a two-year deal with Kenyan Premier League heavyweights Sofapaka on Wednesday.

The Rwanda international joined Sofapaka alongside Rayon Sports skipper Fuadi Ndayisenga.

Speaking to Times Sport from Nairobi, Hategekimana said, "I can confirm that both of us have signed two-year contracts. It’s a whole new challenge but which I believe we shall both embrace with open arms.”

"This move has come at the right time for me to move on from Rayon Sports and find a new challenge, and I am happy to get this opportunity with Sofapaka. I have enjoyed my time in Rayon Sports and I feel that I am ready to play outside my country,” Kanombe added.

The 27-year-old midfielder noted that the main reason, "we have signed for Sofapaka is because the Kenyan Premier League is the best league in the region and I believe we will learn a lot in this league.”

Kanombe played for Djibouti for AS Ports in 2011/2012 before returning to Rayon Sports.

The departure of the pair leaves Rayon Sports coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga short on experienced players for Saturday’s Peace Cup semi-final first leg clash against Isonga FC on Saturday.

The duo was released by Rayon Sports after their contracts ran out last month. Sofapaka is handled by former Atraco FC Ugandan coach, Sam Timbe.

Rayon Sports had already lost two key players—defenders, Abouba Sibomana and Karim Nizigiyimana, who signed for Gor Mahia in January as well as midfielder Robert Ndatimana, who crossed to Police FC a week ago.

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