AS Kigali Football Club bid farewell to forward Ernest Sugira, who is set to join his new teammates in DR Congo’s AS Vita Club.

Sugira played his last AS Kigali game on Sunday in the 2-1 win against newly crowned champions APR 2-1.

He leaves the club after two years.

"Let me take this opportunity to thank the whole team, my fellow players, the fans and coach Eric Nshimiyimana for the memorable moments we have shared at the club,” said the 25-year old striker.

He added: "AS Kigali made me who I am today, you have been good to me, I thank everyone associated with this club, in one way or another, for giving a chance to play for this club,”

The former APR and AS Muhanga striker had established himself in the starting lineup at AS Kigali and with the national side Amavubi.

He was Amavubi’s star man during the 2016 CHAN tournament in Kigali, scoring three goals and inspiring the team to their first ever knockout stage in the biennial showpiece.

AS Kigali coach Nshimiyimana said: "Ernest is a good player with great charisma which lifts the dressing room. I am sure he will be a great addition to his new club. I see him in a very important role at Vita in the future. He is a good player who deserves a great farewell.”

Sugira scored on his debut for Rwanda in a 1-0 win victory over Mozambique in the AFCON 2017 qualifying opener in June last year in Maputo.

In the 2015/2016 league season, he scored nine goals.

The big striker signed a two-year contract with the Kinshasa based side early this year after AS Vita head coach Florent Ibenge travelled to Kigali to seal the deal.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw