National league side Sunrise FC are in talks with former Rwanda international Alphonse Gatera to replace Sosthene ‘Lumumba’ Habimana as their new head coach.

Gatera, who guided Espoir to the semi-finals of Peace Cup and finished 11th in the league with 33 points, could replace Habimana whose contract ended at the end of the last season.

According to Sunrise FC chairman Fabrice Hakizimana, the Rwamagana-based side has started negotiations with Gatera to take over the vacant head coach position.

Gatera, who has previously worked as Police assistant coach, is expected in the Eastern Province at the end of this week to conclude discussions.

"Sure we are in talks with him and we are doing everything possible to send him an air ticket so he can come to Rwanda next week,” Hakizimana told Saturday Sport yesterday. Gatete is currently in Bujumbura on holiday.

There had been speculation regarding the next coach for the Sunrise, with names such as former Etincelles and Amagaju coach, Abdul ‘Becken’ Bizimana and former Police coach, Andre Casa Mbungo coming up.

However, Hakizimana refused any links with the two, insisting his team is only interested in Gatera. "We are in talks with Gatera and nobody else; I think those are just rumors. I can confirm that we have talked with him and he is willing to take over,” he stated.

Habimana managed to guide Sunrise to 8th place with 35 points in 30 matches, but failed to impress in Peace Cup, which was won by Rayon Sports, after beating APR 1-0 in the final.

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