National football league side Sunrise FC have acquired the services of former Rayon Sport starlet Kevin Ishimwe after releasing  three players ahead of the second phase of the campaign that gets underway this weekend.

The 20-year-old signed a two-year contract this week with the Rwamagana-based side after being released by Rayon Sports last month.

Ishimwe joined the Blues in 2014 from Kicukiro-based Sec Academy but failed to settle in due to tight competition.

The released trio includes; central midfielders Cyiza Twaha and Edison Uwayo as well as striker Ramadhan Nduwayo—contracts of all the three had expired.

The former Rayon Sports assistant coach and later interim (coach), Habimana, believes the new signing will improve Sunrise in the next two seasons.

"To be honest, we have had a modest season so far compared to last year at this stage, but we have benefited from this long break, to work more with the players, which I think puts us in a better position to start the second phase,” Habimana said on Tuesday.

Habimana joined Sunrise FC in December last year, on a one-year contract and pledged to revive their fortunes after a poor start. Last year, Sunrise finished fourth, ahead of the likes of Rayon Sports and SC Kiyovu.

"Our target is to finish at least in the top six, which means a minimum of 40 points and I’m confident we’ll achieve it,” he vowed.

Sunrise, who are in ninth place with 19 points are 11 points above the relegations zone. The team will begin the second league on Friday against Musanze FC.

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